2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:45 Page 49
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
Olavsfestivalen – a vibrant presentation of history No matter how you define your own spirit of adventure, you have most likely heard the many Viking tales of the North. Though this mysterious but alluring northern people have a reputation for being both ruthless and gruesome, their many fascinating traditions and customs live on. Olavsfestivalen in Sarpsborg has made it their mission to keep these treasures of the past alive, and bring them to a larger audience. So, do you have a Viking in you? By Julie Lindén | Photos: Thomas Andersen
“The Viking age is one filled with mystery, and that fascinates a lot of people. There is so much we don’t know about the way they lived, but what we do know tends to captivate many different audiences – from the youngest to the oldest,” says Guro Elise Berg, Manager for Olavsfestivalen, perfectly outlining the very essence of this grand gathering of yore: bringing together the whole family in a fun and educational outing that will have each and every visitor hooked on the magical tales of the Vikings long after the final festival day. “It’s an important part of our history. The Vikings brought so many customs to the country, especially through Christianity, that impact the way we live still today. Through Olavsfestivalen we wish to bal-
ance out the history, and bring forth a lot of the good things the Vikings stood for.” It is precisely this that the festival, named after Olav den Hellige (Olav II of Norway, who founded Sarpsborg in 1016), aims to promote. Hosting a large Viking market and theatre show in the wonderful Landeparken at Lake Tune, Olavsfestivalen showcases everything from Viking handicraft to food through a three-day cultural display. This leafy park offers plenty of additional recreational opportunities, such as swimming and canoeing, that will delight visitors even further. And, when you have listened to the close-to-authentic Vikings tell tales of their lives, had some real Viking grub and purchased a keepsake or two, the show Olav den Heldige
[Olav the Lucky] will add the final touches to your Norse experience. “Parts of this show are performed on a Viking ship in the lake, which is a thrill to everyone attending. The show is as humorous as it is educational, and it tells the story of Olav den Hellige with a new twist. Lake Tune provides a spectacular backdrop – I can’t wait to welcome the guests of 2015!” concludes Berg.
For more information, please visit: www.olavsdagene.no/olavsfestivalen
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 49