Draken Harald Hårfagre, the Norwegian Viking ship that has sailed across the North Atlantic and brought Viking maritime history to audiences around the world, has won two international awards at the 2026 Anthem Awards, receiving both Gold and the Community Voice Award.
11 November 2026
The awards recognize Draken: Preserving Viking Maritime Knowledge at Sea, which received Gold and the Community Voice Award in Arts & Cultural Programming, within the broader category of Education, Art & Culture.
The Anthem Awards, an international awards program based in New York, celebrate organizations and initiatives making a positive impact around the world. This year's competition attracted more than 2,500 submissions from 43 countries, making it the largest in the awards' history.
Recognition from both an international jury and the public
The Gold Anthem Award, the competition's highest award level, was selected through a judging process conducted by members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).
The 2026 international judging panel included distinguished leaders from organizations such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Yale School of Public Health, IBM and the United Nations Development Programme.
In addition to Gold, Draken received the Anthem Community Voice Award, determined through public voting. More than 67,000 votes were cast across this year's Community Voice competition.
Winning the Community Voice Award is particularly meaningful for Draken. It reflects the strength of an international community that has followed the ship's adventures, supported its mission and actively rallied behind the project.
Together, the two awards represent recognition from both an international jury and the worldwide community that has helped make Draken's journey possible.
Bringing Viking maritime history to life
Draken Harald Hårfagre is the world's largest Viking ship sailing in modern times. Built in Norway using traditional craftsmanship, the ship has undertaken ambitious expeditions across the North Atlantic and beyond, exploring the possibilities and challenges of Viking Age seafaring.
Viking shipbuilding represented some of the most advanced technology of its time. In many ways, it was the "rocket science" of the Viking Age, combining sophisticated knowledge of construction, materials, sailing and navigation that enabled people to cross oceans and explore distant lands.
At the heart of the Draken project is a simple belief: maritime knowledge is best preserved not only by studying history, but by putting it into practice.
By sailing, rowing, navigating and maintaining a Viking ship on real expeditions, Draken helps explore and preserve this knowledge while keeping traditional craftsmanship and seamanship alive.
Over the years, the ship has crossed oceans, visited ports across Europe and North America, welcomed thousands of visitors and brought Viking maritime history to audiences around the world. Most recently, Draken reached new international audiences as Odysseus's ship in Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon.
Beyond its expeditions and Hollywood appearances, Draken continues to combine maritime heritage, exploration and education, inspiring new generations and connecting people through history and shared experiences.
An achievement shared by many
"Receiving the Gold Award from an international jury of distinguished professionals is a tremendous recognition of what we have been building with Draken over the years. And winning the Community Voice Award makes it even more special, because it shows the extraordinary support this project has earned from people around the world.
Draken is the result of a remarkable shared effort, involving our owner, shipbuilders, crews, volunteers, partners and supporters. These awards belong to everyone who has contributed to making this extraordinary journey possible." Emanuel Persson, CEO, Viking Kings AS
Looking ahead
For a Norwegian Viking ship dedicated to preserving and sharing maritime knowledge, receiving international recognition of this kind marks an important milestone.
As preparations continue for future expeditions and new educational initiatives, the awards provide renewed encouragement to carry Draken's mission forward, exploring maritime heritage, inspiring new generations and connecting people across borders.
Rooted in history. Driven by exploration.
Official award recognition: Draken Harald Hårfagre – 2026 Anthem Awards Gold and Community Voice Winner