Fireworks at Clifford's Tower during the Jorvik Viking Festival

© Ian Forsyth/Stringer/Getty Image

A week of Viking wonders. Jorvik Viking Festival

Every February, York in England transforms into a Viking stronghold for the Jorvik Viking Festival, celebrating the city's Norse roots with lively events and immersive history. Once called Jorvik, York was a major Viking settlement, and this festival, which is taking place from 17 to 23 February this year, brings that era to life with battle reenactments, storytelling and hands-on activities. The highlight? Epic clashes of costumed warriors in dramatic, historically accurate battles. For a more peaceful experience, visitors can try axe-throwing, learn rune writing, or explore Viking markets brimming with crafts and treats. Traditional Scandinavian foods and mead-tasting sessions let you feast like a Viking chieftain.

Pictured here is Clifford's Tower, the largest remaining building of York Castle. Built on the site of an earlier wooden structure, Clifford's Tower has its own dramatic history, from its Norman roots to its storied survival through centuries of conflict. While it wasn't a Viking creation, its commanding view over York makes it the perfect place to reflect on the city's Nordic legacy.