Vikings of Bjornstad - Bjornstad Photo Gallery

"The Vikings of Bjornstad" is a living history and educational group, concentrating on the Viking era, usually defined as 793 AD to 1066 AD.

Bjornstad works with educational institutions, Scandinavian and Scottish heritage groups to provide a balanced view of one of history’s most fascinating periods and cultures. Bjornstad has been filmed twice for History Channel productions and has provided extras, weaponry, clothing and props for several independent film projects. Our members provided authentic weapon sound effects for How to Train Your Dragon and we've provided historic authenticity consulting for Hammer of the Gods, a British Viking movie released in 2013.

Vikings of all ages, whether by heritage or inclination, are always welcome to join us as members. We welcome everyone and ask only that those under 16 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We strive for authentic Viking Age clothing, crafts and gear, but we know that's a goal to work toward and we all have to start somewhere. Annual membership to the group is $40.

Most of our members live in the extended San Francisco Bay Area, currently north to Santa Rosa and Fort Bragg, east to Stockton and south to San Jose. We attend events and group meetings throughout the year; see our Calendar of Events to check out the schedule.

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

Annually, we present 5 hours of Viking lecture, demonstration and hands-on interaction for Professor Costanza Dopfel and her class on Barbarian cultures at St. Mary's College in Moraga, California

We were the featured entertainers for a November, 2021 Food Network Dinner: Impossible episode in which the host had to provide a Viking dinner - for us.

We provided Vikings for Hiveworks Mead Company's funding video shot in May, 2021.

We provided entertainment for the Midsummer Medieval Festival at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California

In September, 2013, we provided a filmed segment recommending Viking movies for Norwegian Public Television.

In December, 2012, we joined Dr. Pete Worden, Director of NASA Ames Research, and his staff for a photo shoot as part of their campaign to inspire interest in a new generation of satellite technology.

In November, 2011, we presented a seminar on the Vikings for the Renaissance Society on the CSU Sacramento campus

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

We join the Lions Club at their annual Special Kids Day event for children with special needs

We've provided models for photographic shoots 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

In June, 2006, we attended the San Francisco premier of Beowulf and Grendel - in gear

In August, 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

We've set up our Viking Age encampment at:

The Leif Erikson Viking Fest held by the Freya Lodge of the Sons of Norway, in Santa Rosa

The "Sprint the Pier" races hosted by the North Bay Vikings (associated with the Bay Area Whaleboat Rowing Association) in Berkeley

The Dixon Scottish Games in Dixon

Schools throughout the extended San Francisco Bay Area from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz

Norway Day, at Ft. Mason in San Francisco

Tartan Day in Fremont, California

The Dunsmuir House Scottish Games in Oakland

The Livermore Scottish Games in Livermore

The Caledonian Club's Scottish Highland Games in Pleasanton

The Old Fort MacArthur Days Military Reenactment Show in Los Angeles

The Calaveras County Celtic Faire in Angels Camp

The Celtic Nations Festival in Vacaville

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.

We meet about once a month in the extended San Francisco Bay Area or provide a living history display at one of the many events we attend.

Bjornstad's Officers:

Jack Garrett is the Group Leader

Ed Berland is the Assistant Group Leader and Authenticity Officer

Tory Parker is the Treasurer

Henrik Olsgaard is the Training Officer

Jack Garrett and The Vikings of Bjornstad maintain this website for your personal interest in viking re-enactment, education and research. We do not warrant or represent that the content is completely current, accurate, error proof, nor all of the linked websites to be truthful and reliable at all times. The contents of this website, unless otherwise stated, are exclusively the property of Jack Garrett and are protected under United States and International Copyright laws. The content and images within this website may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Jack Garrett or the photographers who have granted permission for their photographs to be displayed herein. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or the like) is a violation of United States and International Copyright laws. All images and written materials are copyrighted © by their respective copyright holders unless otherwise stated. We make no claim to your happiness, contentment or future well being upon reading the information contained within this website, including this paragraph.