The Gjermundbu helmet, dated to the late 9th century, is one of the most remarkable finds from the Viking Age. Distinguished by its fixed visor in the characteristic “spectacle” form, it was an expensive and prestigious piece of armor likely owned by a powerful Viking chieftain. At the back, metal plates provided protection for the wearer’s neck, a feature that made it highly effective in battle. For most Viking warriors, such a finely crafted iron helmet would have been only a dream.

Excavations at the site revealed a burial chamber of great historical significance, containing the remains of two men along with an array of Viking artifacts. These included two swords, two axes, two spearheads, board games, and a nearly intact suit of chain mail, further underscoring the high status of the individuals buried there.

The helmet itself is made of iron, shaped like a peaked cap constructed from four plates. It is built using the spangen technique, featuring a horizontal rim and two vertical strips that form the framework, with riveted plates completing the structure. As a typical example of a Viking spectacle helmet, the Gjermundbu offered solid facial protection while still allowing good visibility. Its design shows clear connections to earlier traditions, such as the Vendel helmets, with similarities in the rounded cap, spectacle visor, and use of mail aventail.

Today, the Gjermundbu helmet is preserved and displayed at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, where it remains a key symbol of Viking martial culture.