The Pirkkala Viking Fair

Authentic Viking spirit in an ancient setting

The Pirkkala Viking Fair is held in 8–9 July 2023.
Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–16:00

The Pirkkala Viking Fair is organised in the Reippi area: 

Museotie 9, 33980 Pirkkala

Free entry, no age restrictions.

The Reippi area is located about 6 kilometres from downtown Pirkkala. The paths in Reippi are mainly gravel roads and uneven grass. Some of the event area is located in a field. The event area in Reippi is not fully accessible.

Food and drink

In Reippi, we offer iron-age delicacies for various tastes and different diets. There are full dining portions and sweet and savoury pastries available.

Toilets

The event area has two outhouses, portable toilets and an accessible portable toilet.

First aid

The Pirkkala branch of the Finnish Red Cross will be on duty at the event.

Payment methods

Reippi does not have an ATM. Some of the market stands offer an opportunity to pay by card, but we recommend that you also have some cash at hand.

Animals

It is not allowed to bring dogs or other animals to the area.

Smoking

Smoking is only allowed at designated sites.

Clothing

We hope to see plenty of visitors dressed in historical outfits!

Information desk

There is an information desk in a tent where you can find information about the event and local history.

By bicycle

There is a cycling path from downtown Pirkkala to Reippi. The event area has a designated bicycle parking area.

By car

The area has limited parking space, which is why we recommend that visitors arriving by car park in the more remote parking area next to Pirkkala Ice Rink (Takamaantie 1)

Parking in Reippi

There is a limited number of parking spaces available. Parking is forbidden on the right side of the Anian rantatie road from the Kierukantie junction to Leukuntie junction. Parking spaces for persons with disabilities are available in the parking area of Reippi Museum.

When you show your parking ID at the Museotie junction to the traffic controllers, they will show you the way to the correct parking area.

The path from the parking area to the event goes slightly uphill. The event area is not accessible by car.

Free visitor transport

Free transport is available for visitors to Reippi from the Pirkkala Ice Rink (Takamaantie 1) remote parking and Suupantori Square in downtown Pirkkala. The transport operates at 20-minute intervals on Sat 9:30–17:15 and on Sun 9:30–16:15.

Public transport

Suupantori Square in downtown Pirkkala is accessible from the City of Tampere by the normally operating local buses. See the bus timetables on the website nysse.fi/en.

Reippi offers a craft market and various types of entertainment.

Ragnarök: Archery

Sat 11:00–17:00 and Sun 11:00–16:00, field by the Smithy
Are your archery skills a little rusty? Come and learn this noble skill with the Vikings of Ragnarök!

Varpa throwing

Sat 11:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–16:00, field by the Smithy
Vikings loved to play games and compete, just like us. In the Viking Market, we get to try a Swedish Viking game, Varpa. Varpa is a fun game that needs precision and that all ages can play. The purpose of the game is to throw a stone or metal disc as close to a goal stick as possible. Come and try it!

Viking Camp

Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–16:00
The Viking Market will also include a Viking Camp created by historical reenactors where visitors can see a lively camp life.

Battle show: Birckalan Kaarti

Sat 11:30, gates of the Viking Village, 15:00, field by Reippi Farm
Sun 11:30 and  14:00 field by Reippi Farm
Duration: about 45 minutes.

Concert: Hanna Ryynänen

Sun 15:15, Reippi area
Hanna Ryynänen is an expressive musician and kantele player. In her hands can be heard a wide range of kantele, from the small 5-string kantele to the 39-string concert kantele. Of all these, the Saarijärvi kantele’s rich tones and inspiring techniques are especially close to Hanna’s heart. Improvisation also has an important role in Hanna’s artistic work where she loves to seek new sounds and ways of playing. Duration: about 45 minutes.

The Viking Village

Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–16:00
The historical association Pirkkalan Muinaisaikayhdistys Birckalaiset is constructing a Viking-age village in Reippi using traditional construction methods and materials. Come and see life in the Viking Village!

Historical instrument workshop

Sat 11:00, programme tent
At the workshop, we learn about the historical instruments played in the Baltic Sea region and the songs played on them. The workshop is suitable for all ages. There, all participants get to try various historical Finnish instruments. Duration: about 45 minutes.

The Mystic and the Conjurer

Sat 11:00 and 13:30, Sun 11:00 and 13:30, the Black Tent
A pair of friends from the ancient times, the Mystic and the Conjurer, take visitors on a magical journey. Duration: about 20 minutes.

Forging demonstration

Sat 14:15 and Sun 13:00 Forging iron-age axes, the Smithy
Takomo Hukkarauta forging shop, Viking smith J. Peltoniemi. The duration of the demonstration is about 45 minutes. The smith will also be working by the forge outside the demonstrations, when possible.


We reserve the right to any changes.

The Pirkkala Viking Fair is held in the naturally beautiful and historical landscape by Lake Pyhäjärvi in the Reippi area. The area offers diverse services and plenty to see and experience even outside the market season.

Pirkkalankylä culture trail

In the beautiful and culturally significant scenery, there is a culture trail that you can walk independently. Points 1–8 on the trail are located in the event area in Reipinniemi. Link to Pirkkalankylän culture trail (in Finnish).

Reippi nature reserve

The Reippi juniper meadow and the adjacent meadows and small woods form a valuable heritage environment that has been created through long-term cutting and grazing.

Reippi Museum

In the Reippi Museum, you can time travel to the past of Pirkkala. Link to Reippi Museum.

Reippi beach

On a sunny day, the market visitors can swim in the waves of Lake Pyhäjärvi at the public beach owned by the Municipality of Pirkkala. The area also has a children’s playground.

Reippi sauna

The Reippi public sauna is not open during the event weekend.

Archaeological site of Tursiannotko

Tursiannotko, located by the coastal route Anian rantatie, is a site where remnants of a late iron-age settlement have been discovered. The area also includes Hiidenmäki, where Neulakaivo, a naturally formed cleft, is located. According to local folklore, it was used as a sacrificial site. During the Viking Market, you can tour the area led by guides from Nokia and Pirkkala.