who we are
The Vikings of the Valley
My father (Ragnar) and I started Vikings of the Valley to celebrate and share our viking heritage and culture.
Based in Roanoke, VA, the Vikings of the Valley have made a lasting impression on community events for nearly two decades. We have participated in various parades, festivals, school and afterschool education events for all ages.
Now it is time for a permanent home for our way of life and brand of entertainment.
Vikingland is an immersive theme park to educate and entertain the public. Guests will be able to enjoy authentic food and beverage (including ale and mead), battle and raid reenactments, themed rides and "living history" activities, including axe-throwing, armament and sailing/rowing a real replica Viking longship.
People of all ages are welcome, though there will sometimes be specific adult or child-themed events. We partner with local schools and childcare programs for fun and educational field trips.
A Prominent Part Of Our Community For Nearly 20 Years
Our first public exposure was with the Local Colors festival which features over 80 countries and nationalities. We've also done culinary events with the Local Colors offshoot "Taste of Culture."
We then got involved with local organized parades including the Downtown Roanoke St. Patrick's Day Parade (the Irish have a lot of viking ancestry), Grandin Holiday Parade and Dickens of a Christmas.
The Vikings got involved with Roanoke County Parks & Recreation to participate in all manner of festivals and events including the Medieval festival, Celtic festival, Highland Games and more.
We have also done educational events for all ages preschool through college. This includes nearly every elementary, middle, high school and afterschool program in Roanoke as well as Roanoke College and Hollins University.
The Vikings also participated in events with the Virginia Museum of Natural History and other public educational institutions within our surrounding area.
Children and adults alike always tell us we're the most interesting and exciting educational program they've experienced. I think this is due to our passion, love of life, and desire to live in the moment- all viking traits.
To be concise, we're all about having a good time. After all, the viking way is about adventure, new experience and escape from the mundane.
Hefring, our nearly 50 ft long Viking longship
The vessel that allowed the Vikings to have expansive trade and spread terror throughout Europe and beyond!
Children and adults alike can climb aboard Hefring to experience the thrill of this unique Viking technology!
Ragnar, Chief Historian at Vikingland
Jeff Rigdon (Ragnar) has been a lifelong student of all the world's history, lore and mythology, though he has a spiritual connection to his Norse heritage.
For nearly 30 years, he has been presenting educational programs on insects, Vikings and dragons for all ages: from preschool to college.