Birka Historical Tattoo Fest 2025
Between May 29 and June 1, 2025, the picturesque island of Birka in Sweden will host the Birka Historical Tattoo Fest – a one-of-a-kind event that fuses ancient tattoo traditions, Viking culture, and living history.
This will be the third edition of the festival, attracting enthusiasts of history, body art, and spirituality from all over Europe. Birka – Sweden’s first city and a UNESCO World Heritage site – will transform into a living museum where the past meets the present.
Tattoos Inspired by the Ancestors
During the festival, tattoo artists from around the world will showcase styles inspired by Nordic, Celtic, Baltic, and prehistoric cultures. Using both traditional techniques – such as handpoke and hand-tapping – and modern machines, these artists will turn skin into a canvas of ancient symbols and stories.
Tattoo sessions can be booked directly with artists. Walk-in appointments may also be available during the festival, depending on availability.
Workshops, Rituals, and Ancient Crafts
The festival also features a rich program of workshops, offering a deep dive into the culture of the Northern peoples. Highlights include:
- Chainmail making and wool spinning
- Traditional drum crafting and posament braiding
- Natural textile dyeing and amber processing
- Magical plant walks and firewalking rituals (Glödgång)
- ARPI – a breath, movement, and ritual workshop reconnecting you with ancestral roots
- URKRAFT – awakening the primal power through body, voice, and nature
There will also be creative arts sessions, such as recreating Viking art patterns and learning traditional Ukrainian singing.
Living History & Sounds of the Past
Throughout the festival, Birka will come alive. Visitors can meet historical reenactors, join guided tours of Viking burial mounds, take part in archery workshops, and witness daily life in a Viking encampment. In the evenings, the island will echo with folk and medieval music performed by bands like Daj Ognia and Folket Bortafor Nordavinden, accompanied by authentic Viking-inspired food and drinks.
How to Get to Birka
You can reach Birka by boat from Stockholm aboard the M/S Mälar Victoria, or from Adelsö via the Särimner Boat Taxi. Accommodation options include classic tent camping and participation in the historical Viking camp for reenactment groups.
A Unique Experience for Body and Spirit
Birka Historical Tattoo Fest is more than just an artistic event – it’s a profound cultural and spiritual experience. It’s a chance to look back, feel the pulse of your ancestors, and – if you choose – carry their story with you, etched in ink.
📍 For more information, full program, and tickets:
👉 https://www.birkavikingastaden.se/en/attraction/birka-historical-tattoo-fest/