VikingGold 2.0 – Exploring and Preserving the Nordic Wool Heritage

VikingGold 2.0 builds on the success of the original VikingGold project, where partners from across the Nordic region recreated Viking Age textiles using wool from native Old Norse sheep breeds. The project demonstrated how archaeology, traditional craftsmanship and modern textile production can create new opportunities for local businesses, cultural heritage and sustainable design.

Krivi vev Bakken Lund

Now, VikingGold 2.0 takes the next step. Rather than focusing on a single textile, the project explores the entire ecosystem surrounding native Nordic sheep breeds—from biodiversity and genomic research to entrepreneurship, local wool value chains and resilient rural communities.

Native sheep breeds such as the Old Norse Sheep, Greenlandic Sheep and Åland Sheep represent more than genetic diversity. They embody over a thousand years of adaptation, craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Their wool, grazing traditions and local knowledge have shaped Nordic landscapes and communities for generations.

Despite this, much of their potential remains underutilised. VikingGold 2.0 seeks to document, communicate and activate this knowledge and build networks to create new opportunities for farmers, processors, designers and rural businesses throughout the Artic region.

The project will:

• strengthen cooperation between Norway, Åland and Greenland

• document the unique qualities of native Nordic and Artic wool

• combine traditional knowledge with new genomic research

• support rural entrepreneurship and local value creation

• develop new collaborations, products and sustainable business opportunities

• create a shared roadmap for VikingGold 3.0 and future Nordic and Artic wool value chains.

During the project, partners will meet in Norway, Åland and Greenland to exchange knowledge through workshops, study visits, seminars and collaboration with local businesses, researchers and cultural institutions.

Between the physical gatherings, regular online meetings will ensure continued collaboration and co-creation, resulting in recommendations, new partnerships and future project development.

Fibershed Norway's role

Fibershed Norway is the project owner and lead partner. We are responsible for project coordination, administration and communication while ensuring strong collaboration between partners. Through our Nordic and international networks, we will connect research, cultural heritage and entrepreneurship to practical actions that strengthen regional wool economies and create long-term impact.

Partners

VikingGold 2.0 brings together partners with expertise in:

• wool and textile production

• biodiversity and animal genetics

• cultural heritage

• sustainable fashion

• rural entrepreneurship

• communication and dissemination

Together, the partners combine science, traditional knowledge and practical experience to build a stronger future for Nordic wool.

Lead Partner

Fibershed Norway

Funding

Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NAPA)

Project Partners

• Lisa Luken LLC

• Tonique AS

• NordGen

• Lygra Heathland Centre

• Skärgårdens Ull & Garn

• Greenlandicwool.com