Caput Gothiae (Goth Capital) is a nonprofit organization that promotes interest in the historical culture of Östergötland county, which Linköping is the county seat. The historical period they concentrate on is the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Middle Ages. This organization has nothing to do with the Goth fashion statement/lifestyle of some young people. They call themselves the real Vikings, and as volunteers, go to different towns in Östergötland to show the crafts, living, music, bow shooting, boating, battle reenactment, and storytelling of Viking culture.
The air was balmy, the sun shining, and the temperature was pleasant for Linköping. It was neither too hot, or too cold. We walked the winding path of the park next to the Kinda canal, and the river Stångån.
Kinda Canal Locks and overview of Viking Festival
Soon we came to this sign below. Old Stångebro is the location of an important ancient ford that Eriksgatan would go to the battle of Stångebro.
Historical sign for Stangebro
We crossed over to a small island, and entered into a previous era of history, or the annual Viking Festival Lionga Ting (Lionga Thing). According to Medieval Scandinavia Law, the Lionga Ting was the most important assembly held once a year in Linköping.
It was smaller than what I expected, and I thought there would be more food vendors. The only food was hot dogs served in a wrap bread. The condiments were wrapped in a cone shape in stiff paper, and some in burlap. I’m not sure what I expected, but Viking hot dogs wasn’t it. Again, Caput Gothiae is a volunteer organization, so this can well affect the size of the event. They also have to rely on volunteers from other organizations.
That being said, we did get a peak into the Viking culture.
Sources:
http://caputgothiae.therealviking.com
http://historiavivens.eu/2/linka_ping_lionga_ting_161610.html
Globe Trottin Granny
Do you have a Viking or Renaissance Fair in your area?
Atlanta, Georgia has a huge Renaissance Fair every year, and the arena attraction of Medieval Knights on horses, with dinner Medieval style, plays year round.
Hej Kathleen!
Nice post! We saw that the festival was coming up but then it slipped our minds. If you’re disappointed there was no viking food, I do have a cook book that has viking recipes in it.
You mentioned the battle of Stångebro…Bo has ancestors who fought on both sides of that battle. Yes, lot’s of history here in Linköping. 
Don’t know if I would like Viking food, but just thought it would be appropriate. Also, it seems like the city of Linköping would get involved to make the festival better, since Linköping was the Lionga Ting, (most important assembly).
Kathleen recently posted..Vikings in Linköping