Vikings: The Immersive Experience Makes Its London Debut
This March, Vikings: The Immersive Experience, a revolutionary new London immersive, educational and historical exhibition offers customers an unprecedented deep dive into the lives of the Viking world’s most formidable family: King Ragnar Lodbrok, the wise Queen Kraka (Aslaug), and their world-conquering sons – Ivar The Boneless, Bjorn Ironside, Hvitserk, and Sigurd Snake-in-the-eye.
Located at London’s Dock X in Canada Water, this cutting-edge experience blends state-of-the-art technology with immersive historical storytelling from an era full of courage, longing and mystery. Visitors can explore Viking replicas within elaborate physical sets, including a full-size forest of discovery and a towering mythological Yggdrasil tree known as ‘The Tree of Light’ or ‘World Tree’. The exhibition also features a virtual reality adventure for adults and children, a mist-filled portal room, and a 360-degree video-mapped cinematic presentation, complete with a real-life Viking longship at the centre of the action.
A Tale of Love, Fate, Wisdom and Vengeance.
Whilst many historical narratives focus solely on Ragnar Lodbrok’s daring raids on Paris and England, this experience shifts the spotlight to the vital role of Queen Kraka. Visitors will experience her extraordinary journey and mystical powers: from the hidden daughter of the dragon-slayer Sigurd and shield-maiden Brynhildr, to a respected völva (seeress) whose intellect and strategic counsel were essential to Ragnar’s success.
The experience begins with an opening film sequence that transports visitors to 793AD, the year Scandinavian warriors famously raided the monastery of Lindisfarne on England’s north coast. From there, the exhibition unfolds into the vast ‘Forest of Time’, an immersive landscape where guests can wander among towering trees and forest fauna while discovering display boards detailing the daily life, rituals and beliefs of these fearless Norsemen.
An iconic feature of this experience is the beautiful and mythological ‘Tree Of Light’ also known as the ‘World Tree’ or ‘Yggdrasil’, representing the centre of Norse mythology, connecting the heavens, the middle world and the underworld. Using a virtual reality feature, the beginning of the saga of Queen Aslaug unfolds where she first meets her future husband Ragnar Lodbrok, as an unassuming peasant woman named Kraka. The Forest of Time room contains several Viking replica cases, interactive touch screens tablets that show the conquest and history of the Viking raiders, a ’talking head portrait’ screen where any questions can be asked and answered, a knotting station where customers can try to tie a classic Viking Knot as well as a full audio guided tour explaining the fascinating history of these Norsemen and women.
Next, visitors enter the ‘Mist of Time’, a fog-filled portal room designed to transport visitors into another dimension. Here, the centrepiece of the experience unfolds: a 30-minute immersive cinematic show featuring stunning projections, a sweeping musical score and an atmospheric presentation that brings the story of Kraka and Ragnar vividly to life. At the heart of the room sits a magnificent Viking longship, which sometimes serves as seating for guests and at other times becomes part of the performance itself. During the video presentation, we also get to meet the Sons of Kraka, who each fulfilled her prophecies and avenged their father. Guests will stand virtually alongside the formidable brothers as they assemble the Great Heathen Army and sail to the shores of England and beyond.
A New Style Of ‘Immersive’ London Experience
The Netflix Vikings TV show brought figures like Ragnar and Lagertha into the forefront of popular culture consciousness, depicting a world of fierce independence, exploration and conquest. Vikings: The Immersive Experience acknowledges this inspiration but deepens the understanding of historical facts presented in a multi-sensory experience that offers customers an insight into the core elements of Viking existence, showcasing a complex, agriculturally based but fiercely proud society.
Suitable for all generations, this experience will enthral history enthusiasts, fans of Norse mythology, school groups, fans of the Netflix Vikings TV show and families alike. Younger visitors have the opportunity step into the ‘Junior VR’ adventure, witnessing the story of Queen Kraka unfold in an engaging and unforgettable way.
The waitlist for Vikings: The Immersive Experience is now open here, sign up for exclusive pre-sale access ahead of tickets going on general on sale on 3 February.
Tickets start from £19 for children and £23 for General Admission (16+). VIP tickets and Concession tickets are available for Seniors, NHS, BLC or students 18+.
