19-Feb-17 – The journey is not over for the Viking ship that traveled to Chicago from Norway last year. The Draken Harald Hårfagre, the largest Viking ship built in modern times, is spending the winter at the largest maritime museum in the United States, Mystic Seaport, about half-way between New York and Boston and a short sail from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Draken settled in Mystic Seaport last October. It is covered to keep out rain and snow.

Its schedule for the year has not yet been determined but its captain, reached by email, says the Draken will leave Connecticut around June 15 and visit “many exciting American ports.”

“We are now working mostly with some technical systems on board,” says Björn Ahlander. “Most work will take place during April and May.”

(Above) Deck of the Draken Harald Hårfagre, looking forward last month. (Below) Crew members row into Navy Pier last July. (Photo by Steven Dahlman.)

The work ahead includes lifting the ship out of the water to maintain and paint the hull. Sails and rigging will be repaired, too. (Left) Looking aft, toward a podium that houses navigation equipment.

While moored at Mystic Seaport, the Draken is in the company of replicas of historic ships, including the Mayflower and the Amistad. (Right) The ship’s oak rudder rests on the port side of the Draken.