Medeltidsveckan: Celebrating the Medieval Week in magical Visby

Every year, Visby is host to the Medieval Week, Sweden’s largest historical festival. This year’s theme is medieval horses and will bring plenty of four-legged fun, plus medieval markets, live music and jousting, heaps of culinary treats, and much more.

During one week in August, Visby is packed with musicians, jesters, knights, craftsmen and some 50,000 curious visitors. They all come to take part in the Medieval Week, which is Sweden’s largest historical festival. During eight fun-filled days, the past is brought to life.

Photo: Therese Hübner

Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League from the 12th to the 14th century. The former Viking site is the best-preserved fortified trade city in northern Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1984, the Medieval Week is a joyful celebration of this unique heritage, with activities taking place around town, in museums and churches, on streets and in parks, and even in the old ruins.

“What’s special about the Medieval Week is the atmosphere,” says Simone Duvander, producer and communications manager. “You’re sent back in time with all the experiences that’s on offer. The activities and events during the week are rooted in a love for Visby’s and Gotland’s history, it’s fantastic to be a part of the celebrations.”

Photo: Sarah Rosenquist

Medieval horses, jousting and pipers

This year’s festival theme is medieval horses. The horse was one of the most important means of transport in medieval times, and also a sign of status and wealth. In Gotland, a large number of equestrian graves and pictographs clearly depict the uses and importance of the horse. During the Medieval Week, the horse’s role will be highlighted in lectures and workshops, and of course in the horse parade. By the way, Gotland actually has its own breed of horses – Gotland Russ.

Photo: Therese Hübner

The most popular event during the festival is the jousting games with brave combating knights in armour. Sweden’s most skilled knights take part, so it’s sure to be an action-filled event. “Jousting is speed and competition, excitement and thrilling entertainment,” says Duvander. During the Medieval Week, the games take place every day and spectators can also watch jousting on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout July.

In addition to jousting and horses, visitors can take part in lectures and workshops, check out the medieval markets, feast on delicious food and drink, and just hang out – many even dress up in medieval costume. Every third year, participants re-enact the Battle of Wisby.

Photo: Mike Fergusson

Important to note is that the Medieval Week is a co-created festival. No acts are purchased, everything is staged by people and groups who want to take part with their particular event. “Last year, we had pipers from Transylvania and a fighting group from Georgia, and we have a band from Germany that joins every year,” smiles Duvander. For visitors and volunteers who want to stay the night, two campsites are available, one modern and one medieval campsite.

Photo: Medeltidsveckan

Year-round activities and Hanseatic Day

The team behind the Medieval Week is busy throughout the year, with related activities such as Medieval Christmas 6-8 December. The program includes concerts and performances, a Christmas market and a flea market, a fire show and jousting, and more. The team behind the festivals sits in the old pharmacy in Visby, Gamla Apoteket, a 22-meter-high gable house built in the early 13th century. It’s considered to be the best preserved stone house still used as living space in the Nordic region. Visitors are welcome to pop by and take a look. Every Thursday, you can also join them in a sewing circle (syjunta).

Photo: Isabelle Mackenzie

Every year, a different Hanseatic city organises celebrations of the historic Hanseatic League. Next year, Visby will be the host for the International Hanseatic Day, which is set to take place 5-8 June. The event will bring together visitors from all of the world, to celebrate medieval traditions and international understanding, with lots of activities, markets and exhibitions.

Photo: Sarah Rosenquist

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The Medieval Week takes place 4-11 August in Visby. This year’s theme is medieval horses.