In the present, the ruling authority over the city's traffic is the Vikings.
In the picturesque district of Haddeby, Schleswig-Holstein, a unique traffic light has been installed, adding a touch of local history and culture to modern traffic control. The Viking traffic light figure, authentically depicted with a shield, helmet, and axe, was the brainchild of a local woman who was inspired during a visit to Denmark.
The idea for this cultural project was to combine traffic safety with regional identity, enhancing both aspects. The approval for the use of the Viking traffic light figures came after some waiting time, with the special status of the museum site as part of the UNESCO World Heritage possibly contributing to the decision.
The sites of Haithabu and Danewerk, significant historical sites from the time of the Vikings, are officially part of the World Heritage. The cost of the new installation was approximately 3,000 euros, with the funding jointly provided by the municipality of Busdorf, the Haddeby office, and the association for the World Heritage.
The installation of the Viking traffic light was met with enthusiasm by the mayor of Haddeby, Ralf Feddersen, who initiated the necessary steps. The graphic designer from the region submitted suitable designs for the Viking traffic light figure in the style of the old Northmen to the responsible authority for review.
Due to German traffic sign regulations, a permit procedure was required for the installation. The red traffic light figure in Haddeby is also in the Viking style, making it a striking sight near the entrance to the Viking Museum Haithabu.
The installation of the Viking traffic light was posted on Twitter on April 10, 2025, with a picture of the figure (pic.twitter.com/829d4OvWDI). Aarhus, Denmark, also has traffic lights with Vikings, indicating a growing trend of blending history and modernity in traffic management.
This unique traffic light is not just a symbol of local pride but also intended to provide conversation topics, especially among tourists visiting the nearby Viking Museum. Germany has other examples of creative traffic light figures, such as traffic lights with same-sex couples in Flensburg and figures from the children's series "Mainzelmännchen" in Mainz.
The Viking traffic light in Haddeby stands as a testament to the power of creativity and local enthusiasm in shaping our surroundings, blending history with the present, and making everyday experiences more engaging for all.
