Vähäkyrö Viking Days
The beacon fires on Merkkikallio have been lit to signal the arrival of guests. A longboat glides along the Kyrönjoki (River) and approaches the shore. Word spreads among the locals, who prepare with swords and shields to receive the visitors. Are the rowers true Vikings, those terrors of the seas? And have the dirhams been safely hidden in Housulanmäki?
The public is warmly welcomed to the Viking Market and to witness life in the Viking camp on 6 June at the Kirkkosaari Viking Camp, located next to the Viking Age boat cremation site of Kaavontönkkä and the Merovingian period burial ground. For reenactors, Vähäkyrö offers an authentic and historically rich market environment where fur trading has reportedly taken place for over 1,500 years!
Vähäkyrö Viking Days will be organised in 2026 as a two‑day event in honour of its 5th anniversary! The event is also part of the City of Vaasa’s Green Leaf Year 2026, during which we take concrete actions for the benefit of the environment and climate. Event arrangements are carried out sustainably and with ecological responsibility.
Mayor of Vaasa, Tomas Häyry, serves as patron of the event.
Experience the history of Vähäkyrö in an activity‑filled weekend at the Viking camp! Market stalls have traditionally been free of charge, and in celebration of the anniversary year, reenactors are offered the opportunity to stay in the area free of charge.
The event is free of charge and alcohol‑free, suitable for the whole family.
Mark the dates in your calendar and stay tuned for updates:
- On this website: http://www.vaasa.fi/vahankyron-viikinkipaivat
- Ostrobothnia Event Calendar: https://www.vaasa.fi/tapahtumat/vahankyron-viikinkipaivat-5-7-6-2026/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vahassakyrossa_tapahtuu?utm_source=qr&igsh=a2dhdzM5ZW82Zzdh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dx34F3Np6/
- Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6D6z2RDh/
Schedule 5–7 June 2026
General schedule for Vähäkyrö Viking Days 5–7 June 2026
Friday 5 June / Arrival Day
09:00–15:00 Preparing the event area, staff on site
15:00 Tent setup begins at the Viking camp
17:00 Safety inspection at the Viking camps
rescue plan, rules, emergency procedures, facilities, etc.
17:30–19:00 Vikings out and about
-
A slightly unusual hike: “Petulia’s Town – fact or fiction?”
- Departure at 17:30 to the Aittomäki burial area (group transport)
- Duration 1.5 h / paid / registration required
- Voluntary; the general public may also register
-
Summer Café Kanttorila and the Kirkonmäki museums open until 18:00
-
Kyrölä DiscGolf Park available (Vähänkyröntie 55)
18:00–23:30 Vikings at dinner and bathing
- dinner and access to VS. Relax spa world (paid)
- Independent campfire cooking, cold-water rides on the Kyrönjoki River, and leather‑scorching at the wagon sauna
Saturday 6 June – Viking Market & Camp Life
06:00–07:00 Rooster crows on Kirkkosaari; Vikings start their morning routines
07:00–09:00 Vendors arrive and set up their stalls
09:00 Fire inspection (vendors and staff present)
10:00–15:00 Viking Market
- Opening speech
- Battle demonstration schedule (to be confirmed)
- Craft demonstrations and performances
- Announcement and awarding of the “Ecological Reenactment Product” competition winner
15:00–17:00 After the market, life in the Viking camp continues
- Vendors dismantle their booths
- Remaining visitors are guided to explore camp life
- Summer Café Kanttorila and the Kirkonmäki museums open until 18:00
17:00–19:00 Vikings at dinner
- Dinner delivered to Vähäkyrö House (paid)
- Independent campfire cooking at Kirkkolampi
- Café Kanttorila and museums open until 18:00
18:30–19:30 Vikings around the village
-
A slightly unusual hike: Mysteries of Kirkkosaari
- Duration 1.5 h / paid / registration required
- Voluntary; open to everyone
- Kyrölä DiscGolf Park available
21:00–23:00 Vikings by the evening campfire and bathing
- cold‑water river rides and leather‑scorching at the wagon sauna
Sunday 7 June – Viking March to the Kirkonmäki Cultural Area
06:00–12:30 Morning routines, camp life, battle practice and camp breakdown
09:45–11:30 Vikings out in the forest
A slightly unusual hike: Jätintie – one of a kind
- Departure from Mullollaa at 09:45 (group transport)
- Duration 1.5 h / paid / registration required
- Voluntary; open to everyone
12:40 Preparing and lining up for the Viking March
13:00 Viking March to Rautamäki (approx. 700 m)
- Departure from Kirkkosaari (Kaavontönkkä 5)
- March along Vähänkyröntie
- Arrival at the Kirkonmäki cultural area (Merikaarrontie 5)
- Battle demonstration
13:30 Programme at the Kirkonmäki cultural area
- Lunch at Savilahti House (paid)
- Café Kanttorila open
- Photo exhibitions from past Viking Days at Kanttorila
- Summer sheep at Sakastinranta
12:00–18:00 Museums open
One ticket grants access to all museums / €4 (children under 18 free)
- Tin‑smith Museum Fyrry: special exhibition “Bowl, bunk or corvée?”
- Free entry to the Hyysikkä Museum
- Savilahti School Museum open
- Vähäkyrö Local Heritage Museum open
12:00–18:00 Cleanup on Kirkkosaari
Arrival and Parking Areas
Arrival
Since two large events take place simultaneously in Vähäkyrö during 5–7 June, we kindly ask motorists to exercise caution and encourage walking as much as possible.
We especially encourage locals to arrive by Lift public transport, carpooling, cycling, or on foot.
Event Locations
Viking Market and Viking Camp
- Kirkkosaari Cultural Area, Kaavontönkkä 5, Vähäkyrö
Viking March finale, summer café and museums
- Kirkonmäki Cultural Area, Merikaarrontie 5, Vähäkyrö
Public Transport
Local train
Stops at Tervajoki. Arrival from either Seinäjoki or Vaasa (see VR timetables).
Lift – Vaasa Region Public Transport
- Finland’s most affordable fares
- Lift runs on biogas – choosing it reduces emissions and your carbon footprint
- Residents outside the centre (e.g. Tervajoki, Merikaarto) are encouraged to use Lift, carpooling, or cycling
Bus line 30 Vaasa – Veikkaala – Merikaarto – Vähäkyrö – Tervajoki
- Summer timetable valid from 1 June 2026
Parking Areas
- P3 Vähänkyröntie 12 (public parking Sat–Sun, not Fri)
- P4 Vähänkyröntie 11 (primarily for campers!)
- P5 Keskuskuja (opposite the church)
- P6 Savilahdentie 1–5 (parking on both sides of the school)
- P9 Warehouse yard: staff parking, accessible parking
Note: Church and parish hall parking areas reserved for another event.
Audience
The Viking Market
The Viking Market on 6 June and the Viking March to the Kirkonmäki Cultural Area on 7 June invite everyone to experience Vähäkyrö’s history throughout an activity‑packed weekend!
The Viking Market takes place on Saturday 6 June 2026 from 10:00 to 15:00.
Expect clashes, skirmishes and battle demonstrations as locals challenge the Vikings! Will the locals call upon children from the audience this year to help them defend the rule over Kaavontönkkä?
At the market, vendors and artisans offer handmade items such as soaps, incense, candles, natural cosmetics, art, books, jewellery, curly birch products, leather goods, wooden crafts, wrought‑iron items, blacksmith work, and baked goods. Products are ecological, made from natural materials, and largely handcrafted.
Payment options vary by stall: cash, MobilePay, card – and depending on the vendor, even bartering might be possible.
The Viking Market also offers workshops, performances and guided activities. At the activity points you may find archery, boffer sword fighting, spear and axe throwing, and Iron‑Age crafts. (Schedules will be updated).
Viking Camp Life
Curious about what historical reenactment involves? After the market closes, visitors can continue exploring the Viking camp. Everyone interested in reenactment is warmly welcome to learn more!
Viking March Opens the Summer Season
On Sunday at 13:00, visitors are welcome to watch Vikings march to the Kirkonmäki Cultural Area to open the summer season at Café Kanttorila and the museums. Explore the museums and meet the summer sheep at Sakastinranta.
One ticket for all museums
On Sunday 7 June, all museums in Vähäkyrö can be visited with a single admission ticket (€4; children under 18 free).
Café Kanttorila, Tin‑smith Museum Fyrry, Savilahti School Museum, Hyysikkä Museum and the Local Heritage Museum are open 5 June–2 August 2026, Tue–Sun 12:00–18:00.
Vendors (Booking Open!)
The Viking Market on 6 June is part of Vaasa’s Green Leaf Year 2026. Event arrangements are carried out sustainably and with environmental responsibility.
Interested in being a vendor or reenactor?
For the first time, the event includes a competition for the “Ecological Reenactment Product.” Market vendors may enter the competition. More information is provided in the section “Ecological Reenactment Product Competition.”
Book your stall here:
https://link.webropol.com/s/Vahankyronviikinkipaivat2026-myyntipaikkavaraus
- Stalls are free of charge
- Application open until 12 April
- Confirmations sent by email by 20 April
Instructions for Vendors/Reenactors
- Bring your own tent and table (Viking or Norman‑style tents)
- Tables, tents and décor in Iron‑Age style
- Vendors and helpers wear historical clothing (no plastic, no fantasy horned helmets, etc.)
- All stalls located in the market area
- Electricity available for food vendors
- Ground surfaces: sand, grass, or path
- No tents, tables or indoor spaces provided by the organiser
- Stall size: 4×4 m or 4×8 m
- Stalls granted to those who follow event guidelines
- Limited availability – book early!
Product Requirements
- Environmentally friendly and ecologically produced
- Suitable for Iron‑Age style trade
- Preferably self‑produced, designed, grown, collected, or processed
- Low ecological footprint appreciated
Viking March
13:00 Viking March to Rautamäki Hill (approx. 700 metres)
• Departure from Kirkkosaari, address: Kaavontönkkä 5
• March along Vähänkyröntie
• Arrival at the Kirkonmäki Cultural Area, address: Merikaarrontie 5
• Battle demonstration
You are welcome to join us on Sunday at 1 PM in the centre of Vähäkyrö to march behind the Vikings to the Vähäkyrö Church Hill cultural area – up to the Iron Hill – to open the summer season of Café Kanttorila and the local museums.
. While you’re there, take a tour of the Kirkonmäki museums and stop by to greet the summer sheep at Sakastinranta.
During the Viking Days, 5–7 June, entry to all Vähäkyrö museums is available for the price of a single museum ticket: 4 € (children under 18 free). Tickets are purchased at Café Kanttorila.
Café Kanttorila (summer café), the Tinsmiths’ Museum Fyrry, Savilahti School Museum, Hyysikkä Museum and the Vähäkyrö Local Heritage Museum
Open 5 June–2 August 2026, Tue–Sun, 12:00–18:00.
Camping (Reenactors)
Viking Camp Life
Experience Vähäkyrö’s history at the Viking camp throughout the weekend!
Although the official Viking Days event is two days, reenactors are invited to camp for the whole weekend, Friday to Sunday.
The event is part of Vaasa’s Green Leaf Year 2026, and arrangements are made sustainably.
Camp at a Historical Market Site
Reenactors are welcome to pitch their tents 5–7 June 2026 at the Viking camp on Kirkkosaari, next to the Viking‑Age boat cremation site and the Merovingian burial ground. Vähäkyrö offers an authentic historical market environment where fur trade reportedly took place over 1,500 years ago!
- Market stalls are traditionally free
- In honour of the anniversary year, camping at Kirkkosaari is free
- Free, alcohol‑free, family‑friendly event
Accommodation Options
- Camp of Story Fires
- Deep‑Sleep Sheep Pasture
- Sweet Dreams in the Utility Garden
A booking link for camp spots will be published later.
Free Facilities for Campers
- Portable toilets
- Washing facilities (outdoor showers at the Kirkkosaari pier + wagon sauna)
- Drinking water
- Firewood at the Kirkkolampi campfire site
Paid Options
- Women’s spa/sauna session at VS. Relax (18:00–20:45)
- Men’s spa/sauna session at VS. Relax (20:45–23:30)
- Friday dinner delivered to VS. Relax
- Saturday dinner delivered to Vähäkyrö House
- Lunch at Savilahti House
(Prices and registration will be provided to those who book a camp spot.)
Staff & Volunteers
In addition to the public, Viking troupes, historical reenactors and market vendors arrive from near and far!
We need volunteers to help with the event.
A registration form for volunteers will be published on this page later, along with instructions.
Ecological Reenactment Product Competition
Housulanmäki Coin Hoard
Did you know that a coin hoard found in Vähäkyrö dates to after AD 837 and may be linked to Viking‑Age fur trade?
Recent stray finds from Vähäkyrö (KM 40622) and Isokyrö (KM 41094) align with the hoard’s dating, hinting at a possible spike—however brief—in regional trade activity during the Viking Age.
(Source: Puikkonen O. 2023, The Influence of the Vikings’ Eastern Routes in Finland, Swords and Silver, University of Turku, p. 39)
Inspiration and Encouragement for Product Development
As part of Vaasa’s Green Leaf Year 2026, an “Ecological Reenactment Product” competition will be organised for the first time. Products may be inspired by Iron‑Age finds.
Vendors may enter one product or a whole product family. A cash prize awaits the winner!
Judging Criteria
- Suitable for prehistoric context
- Self‑produced, designed, crafted, grown, collected or processed
- Environmentally friendly and ecologically produced
- Ecological footprint thoughtfully considered throughout
A pot of coins from Housulanmäki – euros or dirhams?
The judging panel will review entries during the market day on 6 June 2026. The winner will be announced at the event.
Registration takes place when booking a stall.
Event Notification, Arrangements & Safety Plan
Event permits have been applied for, an event notification has been submitted to the police (link), and a safety plan has been prepared (link).
(Updated information will be added later.)
Event Main Organiser
Vähäkyrö Area Services (City of Vaasa) has organised the Vähäkyrö Viking Day since 2022. The idea for the event originated during the “Vähänkyrö Tourism Services to the Finish Line” development project, where the Iron Age of Vähäkyrö was selected as a key theme for tourism.
The event has previously been held in the cultural area of Vähäkyrö Church Hill, in the yard of Savilahti House. Originally, the event was intended as a modest summer opening celebration for Café Kanttorila and the Church Hill museums.
From the very beginning, the event has been brought to life by its main partner, the Ostrobothnian historical re-enactment group Faravidin Sudet ry, whose battle demonstrations and activity points have been a key attraction. Another long-standing partner in the event organisation and practical arrangements has been Vähäkyrö-Seura ry, along with the summer employees of Vähäkyrö Area Services.
Since then, the event has grown year by year, as word has spread among historical re-enactors across the country. In the summer of 2025, the Viking Day market hosted artisans, vendors, and visitors from many regions, including Oulu, Jyväskylä, Tampere, and Hämeenlinna.
Partners in 2026
Faravidin Sudet ry
Vähäkyrö-Seura ry
VS. Relax
Fiinit Kakut