Create, decorate and assemble a 3D Viking Longship with this hands-on printable art project.

Students design and construct their own freestanding Viking-inspired longship using printable templates and clear step-by-step instructions. They can colour the ship, choose a sail design, customise the shields and add decorative details inspired by Viking art and craftsmanship.

Two longship options are included. Option 1 has shields already incorporated into the ship design, while Option 2 allows students to colour, design, cut out and attach separate shields. Multiple sail and shield designs provide plenty of opportunities for students to personalise their finished longships.

The project also introduces students to Viking-inspired colour, decoration and craftsmanship. As very little Viking Age sail material has survived, the included sail designs are presented as historically inspired rather than exact archaeological reconstructions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Two 3D Viking Longship design options
• Left and right longship templates
• Longship base template
• Paper mast template
• Multiple sail designs
• Printable shield designs
• Blank shields for original designs
• Viking-inspired colour guidance
• Materials list
• Written step-by-step instructions
• Visual assembly guide with photographs
• Finished project examples for inspiration
• Teaching tips for printing and assembly

TWO LONGSHIP OPTIONS

Option 1 — Shields Included
The shields are already incorporated into the longship design, allowing students to colour the ship and shields before assembly.

Option 2 — Design & Add Shields
Students choose from the included shield designs or create their own, then colour, cut out and attach the shields to their finished longship.

The body of the longship can be printed directly onto brown card to reduce colouring time, or the templates can be printed onto white or cream card for students to colour and customise completely.

RECOMMENDED AGES

The project is best suited to upper primary and lower secondary students because it involves detailed cutting, folding, rolling and 3D assembly. Younger students can also complete the project with adult assistance.

For shorter lessons, the project can be divided into two sessions: one for colouring and cutting and another for assembly.

Ideal for Viking studies, art and design, art history, medieval history, history enrichment and creative cross-curricular learning.

LOOKING FOR MORE VIKING ART?

This 3D Viking Longship Art Project is also included in the complete Viking Art History Lesson, together with the Viking Runestone Art Project.