World’s largest modern Viking ship sails into Oslofjord

The Draken Harald Hårfagre, the world’s largest Viking ship in active operation, has arrived in Oslofjord after filming for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie The Odyssey, reports Dagbladet.

The ship, with its dragon-headed prow, hemp ropes, and red sail, docked near Oslo’s Sukkerbiten, close to the Opera House and Munch Museum. Its crew is preparing to watch the film’s premiere on Norway’s largest cinema screen at ODEON Oslo.

Powered by wind when possible, the ship relies on its engine in calm conditions, as maskinist Kristian Velle (76) explained. Hoisting the nearly two-ton sail requires six to nine crew members working at full effort for 20 minutes.

Velle, who joined the project in 2012, described life aboard as all-encompassing—exposed to the elements, with little space below deck. Captain Björn Ahlander (79), who has led the ship across the Atlantic, called navigating Oslofjord a “nightmare” due to modern traffic, though he emphasized strict adherence to maritime rules.

Built in Haugesund and based in Kopervik, the Draken Harald Hårfagre was created to test the capabilities of the largest Viking vessels. Velle gained new respect for Viking seafaring during its Atlantic crossing, particularly in rough weather.