Why is There a Large Viking Ship Parked in Portland’s Old Port?

With the unofficial kickoff to the tourism season in Maine right around the corner, you may have noticed some differences if you've visiting Portland's Old Port over the past couple weeks. One of the key differences from the past two summers is the diminished outdoor seating. Because the State of Emergency due to the pandemic has been lifted, so has the bending of the rules that allowed many restaurants and bars to operate larger and more comfortable outdoor spaces. That doesn't mean an end to all additional outdoor seating, as Portland will still have a few operational parklets. This is exactly why you may notice a large viking ship sitting in the street.

The viking ship belongs to Blyth and Burrows, one of Portland's hottest restaurants and bars for several years now. The establishment has been creative with their parklet design in the past, but this particular design has already sparked additional interest. Who doesn't want to drink upscale cocktails while perched aboard a viking vessel?

The viking ship truly is a work of art, and comes from an incredibly talented artist named Mike Rich. If you get a chance to be up close and personal with the viking ship, you may find it difficult to believe that it started as cement slabs and a basic wooden parklet. The transformation was incredible.

With fewer outdoor options available for visitors this summer, the viking ship is likely to be extremely popular. Book your trip on the high seas accordingly.