The XXX Festival of Slavs and Vikings has begun in Wolin

Medieval warriors are once again fighting battles on the meadows along the Dziwna River, presenting crafts and ancient rituals, playing music and telling legends – the 30th Festival of Slavs and Vikings has begun in Wolin, attracting reenactors from all over Europe and thousands of tourists.

The anniversary Slavic and Viking Festival is themed "Wolin in the time of Bolesław the Brave." Demonstrations of ancient crafts and weapons, folk concerts, medieval-style entertainment, and rituals will be held in the open-air museum, on the outskirts of the castle, and across the Dziwna Strait until Sunday evening. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at approximately 4 p.m., you can watch a major battle.

The festival is organized by the Jomsborg-Vineta Slavic and Viking Center. History buffs, reenactment groups from all over Europe, and thousands of tourists flock to Wolin.

"It's colorful and international. 'Warriors' come from Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. Every year, Wolin is visited by about 30,000 guests during the festival," Mayor Ewa Grzybowska told PAP. "There are many attractions not only in the open-air museum and on the meadows, but also on the other side of the Dziwna Strait, where we've created a stylized town. Museum workers, including those from the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State in Gniezno, are present there," Grzybowska explained.

Folk music plays on both sides of the Dziwna River (there are two stages in the city section and at the open-air museum), and merchants and craftsmen perform. Warriors invite you to a living history lesson, visit medieval huts and workshops. You can try archery, javelin throwing, or try on historical costumes. There's also a reading zone and attractions for children. There are workshops on foundry work, leatherwork, weaving and spinning, loaf-making, and more.

As the mayor of Wolin emphasized, all events taking place in the city and on the meadows near the open-air museum are free. Admission to the Jomsborg-Vineta Slavic and Viking Center (the former name of the stronghold that existed near present-day Wolin) costs 32 PLN, with a concession ticket costing 22 PLN. Events begin daily at 10:00 AM. A detailed program can be found on the Vineta Center website.

The Slavs and Vikings Festival has been held in Wolin since 1993. It is one of the largest events in Europe presenting the history of the early Middle Ages.

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