Entering the Copenhagen Medieval Market is like stepping into a whole new world of Vikings and knights, ferocious fights, trade, role-play, and medieval music and food. Left photo: Tomasz Brodzikowski. Right Photo: Gunni Grahn.
Experience of the month, Denmark
A trip through 1,000 years of Scandinavian history In Copenhagen, the Middle Ages are more than a chapter in a dusty history book; it is a popular tourist destination. As the Copenhagen Medieval Market celebrates its tenth anniversary, the organisers expect more than 35,000 visitors – children and adults alike. But most people do not only visit the market to experience the incredible times of Vikings and knights; they seek an escape from the stress of modern life in a digital age.
more than 35,000 visitors and 1,500 reenactors. The reenactors, who represent at least 20 countries worldwide, are each dedicated to certain periods of the Middle Ages, and will for three days play the full role of medieval men and women, fighters, cooks and tradesmen.
By Sanne Wass
From 13 to 16 May, the Copenhagen Medieval Market opens its doors into a remarkable tale of history. As soon as you pass by the market’s porters – who just like in the medieval times make sure that no unwanted thieves enter the market – you enter a separate world of Vikings and knights, ferocious fights, trade, role-play, and medieval music and food. “The Middle Ages are amazing because we have so many different epochs over nearly 1,000 years, with many historical influences. As soon as you enter the mar88 | Issue 87 | April 2016
ket you get the feeling of stepping away from this decade and into a whole new world,” explains Dennis Fuller, Copenhagen Medieval Market’s event manager.
“The journey starts with the Viking Age,” Fuller says. “To mark our tenth anniversary we have a greater focus on the Vikings because they are a big part of Photo: Kira Arsland.
The Copenhagen Medieval Market started in 2007 when three role-play enthusiasts followed their dream of creating something different. And so they transformed Valbyparken in Copenhagen, Denmark, into an authentic medieval society. Back then, 800 guests came to experience history up close. This year it is a whole different story, as the organisers expect