Jorvik Viking Festival 17 Feb 2024

Grab your iron helmet, shield and axe, and travel back in time to the age of Norse sagas at the Jorvik Viking Festival! The nine-day event, which started on February 12, continues today with a Viking procession in Coppergate. Witness the ancient city of York come alive with the thunder of war drums and the clamour of market traders. Meanwhile, a short trip to the haunting beauty of Whitby Abbey, pictured here, offers a peaceful contrast. This Gothic masterpiece has withstood the North Sea"s winds since the 7th century, whispering tales of monastic life and inspiring Bram Stoker"s classic novel "Dracula." In the 9th century, it is said that the Abbey was abandoned because of raids from the Vikings. Whether you"re a history buff or crave unique experiences, the Jorvik Viking Festival is sure to transport you to an era long past but never forgotten.

© Kev Hill/Moment/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
17 Feb 2025Jorvik Viking Festival
17 Feb 2026Chinese New Year

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Boardwalk over Balkan lakes
14 Oct 2024Coco Beach, Goa, India
28 Feb 2024Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
21 Jan 2025Squirrel Appreciation Day
4 Jun 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
14 Dec 2024Christmas Bird Count turns 125
Sep 8, 2023International Literacy Day
10 Jan 2026The Matterhorn reflected in Lake Stellisee, Zermatt, Switzerland
24 Oct 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary
Happy St Andrews Day!
10 Jul 2025Independence Day of the Bahamas
7 May 2026Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, United States
18 Jan 2025National Winnie-the-Pooh Day
Strong sibling bonds
1 Dec 2025Antarctica Day
30 Dec 2024Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia
10 Aug 2024Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
19 Mar 2025A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
On a dark and stormy night...
9 Jul 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
26 Sep 2024Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
21 Jun 2025Summer solstice
23 Jan 2024Maldives
8 Mar 2024International Womens Day
26 Oct 2025British Summer Time ends
What returned to this city 500 years ago?
24 Jun 2026Pollinator Week
8 Dec 2023La Rocque Harbour, Jersey
2 Feb 2026Groundhog Day
28 Jun 2025Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, United States