Possible Viking ship unearthed during construction in Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht

Construction work in Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht, may have uncovered a Viking ship, according to the municipality. A carved timber found on site indicates it could be from the Carolingian era, roughly 700–800 AD. The discovered wooden beam measures approximately 3.2 meters in length and around 30 centimeters in thickness.

The wooden beam was uncovered while digging for a new sewer and building a wadi, a system designed to absorb rainwater. The municipality described it as a “potentially very significant archaeological find.”

Amateur archaeologist Danny van Basten from the ArcheoTeam Wijk bij Duurstede quickly spotted the significance of the timber, and Stichting Beheer Vikingschip was called in soon after. One of their experts suggested, from the timber’s shape, notches, and markings, that it may be part of a ship’s frame.

Researchers are also investigating whether the find could be a cog, which would suggest it dates from around 1300 AD. Pottery fragments discovered in the soil surrounding the beam lend weight to the idea that it might be a Carolingian ship dating back to the 8th or 9th century.

Further study is needed to confirm its age. The municipality notes that such ship remains are uncommon, and Museum Dorestad plans to display the object in the future.

It may take several months before researchers determine the origin of the discovery.

While Wijk bij Duurstede sits on the site of the renowned medieval trading hub Dorestad, this marks the first discovery of potential Viking ship remains within the town itself.

During the 9th century, Dorestad was a major target for Viking raids, with its first attack recorded in 834 AD.