Voyage of the Voluspa
Welcome to the Voyage of the Voluspa, a richly immersive dark ride that takes guests on an epic journey through the myth, magic, and majesty of the Norse world. Inspired by the grandeur of classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, this boat ride blends deeply themed environments, animatronic storytelling, theatrical effects, and gentle thrills into an unforgettable 16-minute experience.
Attraction Overview
Ride Type: Indoor water-based dark ride with small drops
Duration: about 16 minutes
Ride Vehicle: Viking longship-style boats
Ride Capacity: about 3,600 guests per hour
Thrill Level: Family-friendly with light thrills
Location: Enclosed show building
Accessibility: Separate accessible loading/unloading platform
Entrance & Queue
Guests enter a rustic, weathered wooden gate surrounded by pine trees and stone cairns, marking the threshold of a sleepy Nordic fishing outpost. The queue winds past quiet cabins, a dock with fishing gear, and glimmering fjord waters beneath the glowing Northern Lights projected overhead.
Faint sounds of water, night birds, and distant chanting create a sense of peaceful mystery. Inside the longhouse queue structure, guests pass artifacts and storytelling murals hinting at legends of gods, monsters, and warriors bound for Valhalla.
Loading Station: The Fishing Outpost
Guests board Viking longships at a moonlit dock under the swirling sky. The boats are richly carved with dragon-headed prows, round shields mounted along the sides, and wood textures with iron rivets. Each boat seats 20 passengers in five rows of four, with gently padded bench-style seating.
An alternate platform nearby allows for wheelchair-accessible boarding without interrupting throughput.
Scene 1: The Peaceful Fjords
The ride begins with a gentle push into the glassy waters of the fjords. The fishing outpost sits alone on the edge of the wilderness, as you glide away the lights of the outpost dim in the distance as you enter the wild nature of the quiet fjords at night. Towering cliffs surround the boat, reflecting the shimmering auroras above. Soft flutes and distant vocals play as guests float past grazing elk, owls in pine trees, and gentle waterfalls. It's a moment of quiet awe and connection to the land.
Scene 2: The Waterfall Descent
The tranquility breaks as the sound of rushing water grows louder. Ahead, a mighty waterfall tumbles over a rocky cliff. Without warning, the boat plunges down the first drop, it is a short but thrilling drop, into a splash-filled cavern below, awakening the senses and signaling the adventure has begun.
On-Ride Photo
A camera captures guests during the waterfall plunge in Scene 2. Photo prints and digital downloads are available at the exit photo gallery, styled as a runestone-carver’s shop with custom Viking frames and trinkets.
Scene 3: The Viking Village
Emerging from the cave and down the river, the boat drifts into a vibrant, bustling Viking village on the river’s edge. Blacksmiths hammer steel, children chase goats, traders barter over spices and furs. Rich animatronics and warm lighting immerse guests in daily life, celebrating the strength and joy of Norse society. Music, shouting, laughter, and festival sounds surround the longship.
Scene 4: The Volva’s Vision
Moving past the vibrant village the tone takes a more mystic/serious tone. You approach a Volva, a Norse witch, performing magic on the edge of the village and foretelling prophecies for any who want to hear. She turns towards the boat and issues a warning for those who dare to venture farther down the river and deeper into the fjords. For what lies beyond the village may be neither human nor beast, but something older, something unknowable, could be dangerous to humans or be helpful but only a fool would continue on to find out their fate.
Scene 5: The Oracle of Jörmungandr
As the boat leaves the village, mist rolls in. The scene grows still. Looming from the darkness, the colossal serpent Jörmungandr slowly coils around a stone altar. But rather than attack, the serpent speaks in a slow, booming voice, it offers cryptic prophecies and riddles about fate, strength, and the afterlife and asks what might one most desire.
Haunting chants and ambient sound echo through the cavern. Glowing runes illuminate around the boat as the serpent fades into the mist, having granted guests a glimpse of their destiny. This scene is situated on a turntable, as the serpent determines the fate of the boat, the boat shifts and is released backwards down a mystic waterfall and into a very different forest than the one we traveled through before but still familiar.
Scene 6: The Enchanted Forest
The boat splashes backwards into a surreal, magical forest bathed in moonlight. Another turntable under a bioluminescent tree and plants surrounding it, pulsing with life, it glides forward into the water. The forest hums with old magic, as if aware of your arrival with spirit animals appearing between tree trunks. Mythical beings like elves, light sprites, and fae-like guardians glide overhead or peer curiously from the trees. It’s a moment of calm beauty and reflection, marking the final stage of the mortal journey.
Scene 7: Ascension to Valhalla (Finale)
Golden light pierces the treetops. A soft, radiant melody rises as the boat begins to magically ascend toward a majestic mountaintop. There, the gates of Valhalla open to reveal a grand hall filled with shimmering armor, roaring hearths, and the gods themselves, Odin, Thor, and Freyja are welcoming the brave souls home while Loki acts mischievously in the corner.
The music swells triumphantly. Animatronic warriors raise their horns in celebration. The guests have arrived to the grand hall ready for the celebration feast.
Scene 8: Dining Feature: The Valhalla Feast Hall
Before returning to the dock, boats pass The Valhalla Feast Hall, a large Viking-style longhouse perched on the edge of the water. Inside, diners feast beneath great chandeliers and timbered rafters, offering hearty fare like roasted meats, smoked fish, stews, and tankards of ale or cider.
The restaurant is located inside the same show building but features its own entrance accessible from the park's exterior, allowing guests to dine without riding and view the passing boats from a spectacular waterfront setting.
Unload & Exit
Exiting Valhalla, your return to Midgard, the boat glides gently back to the fishing outpost under the Northern Lights, returning full circle. Guests disembark at the same dock where their journey began. The exit path leads through a quiet, rune-lit corridor and returns guests to the outside world, or tempts them with a warm welcome next door at The Valhalla Feast Hall.
Key Features Summary
16-minute indoor boat ride through mythic Norse environments
2 drops, including a thrilling waterfall plunge
8 detailed scenes with cutting-edge animatronics, projection, and sound design
Integrated dining experience overlooking the water
Accessible design for all guests
Photo opportunity during the first drop
High hourly capacity (~3,600 guests/hour) for excellent guest flow
Voyage of the Voluspa offers a rare blend of emotional storytelling, sensory spectacle, and cultural depth, making it a standout attraction in any theme park. It's a journey of wonder, reflection, and triumph worthy of the gods themselves.
