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”If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain”…

Our first full day in Norway, and it is a rest day. Actually it will be a day and a half rest days due to only riding in the morning yesterday and the rest of the day in transit.
Safely tucked away in the south-eastern end of the country on one of the arms of Oslofjord, Tønsberg is a favourite summer destination for locals – but most tourists haven’t really discovered it yet. Just a one-hour train trip from Oslo, it is the oldest city in Norway.

Waking to another sunny morning but quite chilly, around 5C. Breakfast in the hotel was quite good, then we all re-grouped and walked to tour a large outdoor Viking shipbuilder’s workshop. They are in the process of building. a Viking trading/war ship, all by hand to the exact specifications using the same tools the ancient Vikings used! This ship build started 2 years ago and will be completed in 2 more years, so 4 years to create 1 boat (4 full time builders and many volunteers) and it will seaworthy for ocean travel.

The first step is to find oak trees of the correct length, thickness and curvature. Then the wood is split with wedges then chiselled and planed for various parts and assembled with iron rivets made by the blacksmith in the work group. No glue or cement! The Vikings developed a single sail made from wool which would last for the life of the ship, about 40 years. The Vikings revolutionized ship building for long distance travel and speed, especially the warships. The last ship these artisans built is floating in the water next to the workshop.

Later, a few of us walked through the town unfortunately all the shops were closed because it is Sunday.

But then we walked up to the castle ruins. Tonsberg was founded during the Viking Period, so it’s no wonder that there are so many historical gems here. Starting with the most obvious: the imposing Mount Slottsfjell (literally, ‘castle hill’), which comprises Scandinavia’s largest ruin site. The site is basically what remains of Castrum Tunsbergis – and the Slottsfjell Tower, apart from an impressive monument, is one of Norway’s most popular outdoor festival areas every June and July.

The annual Medieval Festival was on today so I wandered through to see all the artisans musicians and activities for kids, all the volunteers dressed in Viking Age attire.

Tomorrow we kit up again to start the Norway leg of Vikings! Legs, please don’t fail me…

Life is still good in Tonsberg!