JORVIK Viking Centre

Travel back to the year AD 975 at JORVIK Viking Centre! A world-famous ‘must-see’ visitor attraction in the heart of York city centre. Over the last 40 years we have welcomed over 20 million visitors, all curious to learn about the Vikings. In the process, we have revolutionised the heritage attraction experience, bringing the past to life like never before. Our ride takes you through the reconstructed city of Jorvik filled with 360-degree views allowing you to become fully immersed in the Viking Age. After, visit our state-of-the-art gallery that displays some of the unique and exciting artefacts unearthed on this very site.

JORVIK Viking Centre stands on the site of a remarkable archaeological discovery that transformed our understanding of Viking life. From 1976 to 1981, archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust, an independent educational charity, uncovered the houses, workshops, and backyards of the Viking-age city of Jorvik, which was nearly 1,000 years old.

These incredible findings led to the creation of JORVIK Viking Centre directly on the excavation site, providing visitors with a groundbreaking, immersive experience. Guests can journey through reconstructed Viking-age streets, witnessing life as it was in 10th-century York.

Today, the re-imagined JORVIK Viking Centre features an updated ride experience and state-of-the-art galleries. These showcase a unique collection of Viking artifacts, inviting you to explore York’s fascinating Viking legacy in new and engaging ways.

About the JORVIK Viking Centre

The world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘must-see’ attraction for visitors to the city of York and is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK.

What’s New?

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the Viking Age with our new ride experience. As you travel through the reconstructed 10th-century city of York, you’ll discover the everyday lives of its historical inhabitants. Each detail—from the flora and fauna to the breeds of animals and natural dyes found in the backyards—is based on actual archaeological evidence from the Coppergate excavation. This authentic Viking adventure offers a truly unparalleled glimpse into the past.

The updated JORVIK experience now reveals the rich cultural “melting pot” of 10th-century York. As a prosperous trading hub, the city welcomed goods and people from across the Viking world. Visitors will encounter 22 new animatronic characters, bringing to life the diverse customs, traditions, and languages of York’s medieval inhabitants.

Extensive research has gone into recreating these characters with meticulous detail, from their clothing and facial features to the authentic sounds of Old English, Old Norse, and even Ancient Arabic. This underscores York’s role as a vibrant, multicultural center during the Viking Age. The immersive experience allows guests to discover the rich tapestry of people who lived and worked in Viking-age York.

Immerse yourself in the Viking era like never before at JORVIK. Cutting-edge technology—from state-of-the-art animatronics to interactive touch screens that let you step into the role of an archaeological conservator—brings this historic period vividly to life. Now is the perfect time to explore the profound impact the Vikings had on the city of York.