Vikings of Bjornstad Main

Life in the Age of the Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans

"The Vikings of Bjornstad" is a living history and educational group, concentrating on the Viking age - from 793 through 1066 AD. The group strives for an authentic presentation of the culture, weapons and crafts from a thousand years ago, including Viking, Norman and Anglo-Saxon re-enactment.

Bjornstad has been filmed twice for History Channel productions and has provided extras, weaponry, clothing and props for several independent film projects. Bjornstad’s members work with educational and Scandinavian heritage groups to provide a balanced view of one of history’s most fascinating periods and cultures.

We are associated with The Vikings North America, covering the states of California, Arizona and Nevada. We attend events and group meetings throughout the year; see our Calendar of Events to check out the schedule. Vikings of all ages, whether by heritage or inclination, are always welcome. For information contact Jack Garrett at garrett@pacbell.net.

In the past few years we've set up our Viking Age encampment at:

Tartan Day in Fremont, California
the Dunsmuir House Scottish Games in Oakland
the Caledonian Highland Games in Pleasanton
the Leif Erikson Viking Fest held by the Freya Lodge of the Sons of Norway, in Santa Rosa
the Old Fort MacArthur Days Military Reenactment Show in Los Angeles
Norway Day, at Ft. Mason in San Francisco
the Livermore Scottish Games in Livermore
the Calaveras County Celtic Faire in Angels Camp
the Celtic Nations Festival in Vacaville

The Vikings of Bjornstad have been involved in a wide range of fascinating - and fun - projects.

In October, 2010 we presented a seminar on the Vikings' influence on our world as part of the Oakmont Sunday Symposium series

In May, 2010 we joined the Lions Club at their annual Special Kids Day event for children with special needs

In May, 2009 we were invited to provide models for a photographic shoot at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California

We've joined with the Highlander Warriors to present "The Wedding of Somerled" at the Pleasanton, California, Highland Games since 2006

On June 30th, 2006, we attended the San Francisco premier of Beowulf and Grendel - in gear.

On August 23rd, 2009 we provided a hobgoblin troop for a student fantasy film, Runewood.

On December 3rd, 2005 we provided a non-historic barbarian horde for an Academy of Art University student film, The Epic of Wayhelm.

In January 2005 we filmed the host segments for an episode of The Conquerors about William the Conqueror, with actor and military advisor Dale Dye, for the History Channel

In July 2004 we provided the actors for the Battle of Hastings (fought in 1066) segment of Command Decisions, also for the History Channel

In 2002 we went as a group to see the "Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga" exhibit at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.

And ... at most of our events we perform "The Viking Art of War", a 15 to 20 minute demonstration of Viking age weapons and tactics.

For information contact Jack Garrett at garrett@pacbell.net