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A 600-year-old viking ship discovered off the coast of Denmark
The Vikings, who dominated the northern seas for centuries, are known not only as bold—and often ruthless—explorers, but also as skilled shipbuilders. Recently, researchers managed to uncover a remarkable find: the world’s largest Viking ship, offering a unique insight into the history of medieval maritime trade.
For centuries, the Vikings’ name has been synonymous with seafaring conquests and legendary navigational expertise. These Scandinavian warriors excelled not only in combat but also in shipbuilding: their vessels were fast, light, and extremely durable. Thanks to this, they dominated the northern waters for centuries, established trade routes, and reached distant lands. Yet a new sensational discovery may rewrite what we know about medieval Viking seafaring.
The world’s largest Viking ship may have been found
As Popular Mechanics reports, archaeologists discovered the remains of the world’s largest so-called cog ship off the coast of Denmark. This extraordinary Viking ship has been named Svaelget-2 after the channel where it was found. Its size alone is impressive: nearly 28 metres long, 9 metres wide, and almost 6 metres high—far surpassing the dimensions of previously known medieval cargo vessels.
Experts believe the Viking ship was built around 1410 and lay buried on the seabed for some 600 years between Denmark and Sweden. The discovery occurred during a survey of the seabed ahead of construction work in a new district of Copenhagen.
A ‘super ship’ of the Middle Ages
Svaelget-2 is rightly described as a medieval “super ship,” as estimates suggest it could carry up to 300 tonnes of cargo—a remarkable feat for the 15th century. The Viking ship was therefore not only a military asset but also a key pillar of trade.
According to marine archaeologist Otto Uldum, a ship of this capacity points to a well-structured and complex trade network. Merchants knew exactly where their goods were in demand and planned their routes accordingly.
The vessel primarily transported bulk goods: salt, timber, bricks, and staple foods, demonstrating that medieval trade was not just about luxury items but also everyday essentials.
Svaelget-2 represented a milestone in trade
The cog was a distinctive ship type in the North Sea region, prized for its efficiency. Despite its large size, it could be operated with a relatively small crew, even when fully loaded. These ships sailed from what is now the Netherlands, through the Danish straits, to the trading cities of the Baltic Sea, connecting Northern Europe in the 15th century.
Svaelget-2 is particularly notable for the remains of a wooden shelter found on its stern—the first archaeological evidence that defensive structures were built on cog ships. This would have provided the crew with protection during attacks, and given that normally only the lower parts of ships survive, the find is truly rare.
Analysis suggests the hull planks were made from Pomeranian oak from present-day Poland, while the ribs used Dutch timber—indicating the heavy planking was imported, whereas the frame was likely constructed locally.
Rigging, kitchen, and everyday items also unearthed
Archaeologists also discovered fragments of the ship’s rigging, which is unusual and helps us understand how the sails were controlled, the mast secured, and the cargo stowed. Additionally, a brick-built kitchen was found where the crew could cook over an open fire, along with bronze vessels, ceramic bowls, painted wooden containers, shoes, combs, and rosary beads.
While a great many artefacts were recovered, no information about the ship’s cargo has yet emerged.