I’ll be honest—How to Train Your Dragon was one of those movies my kids loved when they were younger, but over time, it faded into the background. So when we visited Epic Universe, Isle of Berk wasn’t high on our radar.
But the moment we stepped through the portal, that changed.
This land is vast, detailed, and absolutely brimming with life. From the swinging dragon tails on the rooftops to the sheep grazing peacefully below, it felt like we had stepped into a living, breathing Viking village. I didn’t expect to be moved—but I was. And by the time we left, I wasn’t just a fan of the land—I was ready to rewatch the movies. Turns out, my adult kids did the same.
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Where Is Isle of Berk?
Isle of Berk is one of five immersive lands inside Universal’s Epic Universe, located on Universal Orlando’s south campus. It’s the largest land in the park—and it feels that way. Towering cliffs, dragon houses, and Viking architecture stretch in every direction, creating a sense of scale and wonder that’s hard to describe.
You’ll enter through a themed portal, and just like that, you’re in Berk. It’s a jaw-dropping transition—and one that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay close to the action, Universal’s Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts are nearby and offer early park admission. For the ultimate experience, Helios Grand Hotel sits inside Epic Universe itself, offering views of Celestial Park and easy access to all five lands—including Berk.
A World Where Vikings and Dragons Unite
Set between the second and third How to Train Your Dragon films, Isle of Berk captures a golden age where Vikings and dragons live in harmony. The land is alive with motion—dragons soar overhead, tails sway from rooftops, and the occasional mist from an ice dragon cools off sun-soaked guests.
The theming is rich and layered. You’ll find Viking longhouses, carved statues, and even a training camp for young dragon riders. It’s a place that feels lived-in, like the characters just stepped out for a moment and might return at any time.
Welcome to Berk
Crossing into Berk through the portal was one of those moments that caught me off guard. I expected something fun—but what I got was something magical. The scale, the sound, the movement—it all hit at once.
Above the archway, a bold inscription sets the tone: “We, my friends, have dragons!” It’s a line pulled straight from How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and it couldn’t be more fitting.
I looked over at my kids as we walked in, and I could see it on their faces, too: that spark of wonder. We were in a world we hadn’t thought about in years, and suddenly, it was all coming back.
Isle of Berk Rides
There are three main attractions in Berk, each offering a different kind of thrill:
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Height requirement: 40″
This family coaster surprised us in the best way. It’s fast, smooth, and gives you the sensation of flying on a dragon’s back. It may not be as intense as Stardust Racers in Celestial Park, but it’s no slouch either. The launches are punchy, the turns are sweeping, and the views of Berk are stunning.
If you’re into immersive rides with a nostalgic twist, don’t miss our guide to Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. From Mario Kart mayhem to Donkey Kong chaos, it’s a gamer’s dream come to life.
Fyre Drill
There is no height requirement.
This isn’t your average water ride. It’s part boat ride, part shooting game, part team competition. You’ll blast water cannons at flame-shaped targets while trying to outscore the other side of the boat. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and a great way to cool off.
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Height requirement: 48″
This spinning flat ride lets you control how wild or mild your dragon-racing experience is. You’ll soar, dip, and spin through the air like a true Viking racer. It’s a blast for thrill-seekers and a great photo op, too.
The Untrainable Dragon Show
We didn’t get to see The Untrainable Dragon during our visit—it was still in technical rehearsal and not running at the time. However, based on everything we’ve heard, it’s a must-see.
This 20-minute live show blends puppetry, projection, and live actors to tell a new story featuring Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Gobber as they try to solve the mystery of a dragon that refuses to be trained. The production debuted at Universal Beijing and has been adapted for Epic Universe, featuring massive dragon puppets, soaring effects, and a stage setup that feels more Broadway than a theme park.
Toothless even flies above the audience at one point—an effect that’s been called breathtaking by early reviewers. The show has been praised for its emotional storytelling, impressive visuals, and immersive atmosphere.
We’re already planning a return trip just to experience it. If you’re visiting, make sure to check the Universal app for showtimes—and maybe aim for an earlier performance in case of cancellations. This one’s high on our list.
Isle of Berk Food and Drinks
We dined at Mead Hall, and it felt like a place Odin himself might feast. The carved wood, flickering torches, and hearty menu made it one of our favorite meals in the park. I tried mead for the first time—and thoroughly enjoyed it.
We also grabbed a flame-seared steak bowl from Spit Fyre Grill, and it was excellent—tender, flavorful, and beautifully plated. Honestly, it’s not the kind of dish you expect to find at a theme park, which made it all the more impressive.
Here’s a quick look at the main dining spots in Berk:
- Mead Hall – A richly themed Viking feast hall serving platters, grilled salmon, and mead in a setting worthy of Norse legends.
- Spit Fyre Grill – Quick-service bowls with flame-seared proteins like steak, salmon, and shrimp, paired with grains and bold toppings.
- Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – A grab-and-go spot offering playful bites like mac & cheese cones, which have become a fan favorite. We didn’t get a chance to try them ourselves, but everyone we talked to raved about them—especially the PB&J and Dragon Fire Chicken Spire versions. It’s one more reason we’re eager to return.
The food here isn’t just themed—it’s genuinely good.
Isle of Berk Characters
You’ll find Hiccup, Astrid, and even Toothless roaming the land. The meet-and-greet area, Haddock Paddock, is beautifully themed and offers great photo ops. Watching kids (and adults) reach out to Toothless like Hiccup did in the movie? Pure magic.
Viking Wares and Dragon Loot
There’s no shortage of Viking and dragon-themed merch. Some standout shops include:
- Toothless’ Treasures – Plushies, apparel, and collectibles.
- Hiccup’s Work Shop – Gadgets, gear, and themed accessories.
- Viking Traders – Shields, mugs, and wearable Viking flair.
- How to Treat Your Dragon – Cake pops, fudge, and sweet treats.
Whether you’re looking for a dragon hoodie or a drinking horn, you’ll find it here.
Atmosphere After Dark
At night, Isle of Berk transforms into something truly magical. The dragon houses glow, torches crackle, and the whole village feels alive with warmth and wonder. But what really caught our attention were the two towering statues that greet you at the entrance—one a Viking, the other a dragon. Their flickering flames dance in the darkness, casting dramatic shadows across the water and pulling you deeper into the fantasy. It’s bold, cinematic, and completely immersive.
I didn’t expect this land to move me—but under the lights, it stirred something nostalgic and joyful. It reminded me of watching the movies with my kids, of bedtime stories and backyard adventures. It’s a feeling I didn’t know I missed until it came rushing back.
If you love richly themed lands that come alive after dark, you’ll want to explore Dark Universe at Epic Universe. It’s a gothic masterpiece filled with monsters, mystery, and some of the park’s most jaw-dropping effects.
It’s absolutely worth staying late to see the transformation. The land doesn’t just light up—it levels up.
Tips for Visiting Isle of Berk
- Visit the Universal Orlando Resort site to verify park hours, ticket prices, and availability.
- Start with Hiccup’s Wing Gliders—lines build quickly.
- Catch The Untrainable Dragon—it’s worth planning around.
- Try the mead—even if you’re not usually a fan of sweet drinks.
- Don’t skip the Viking Training Camp—it’s technically for kids, but it looked like a blast.
- Stay late—the land is even more magical after dark.
Plan Your Isle of Berk Adventure
Isle of Berk may have been the last land on our list—but it ended up being one of our favorites. It’s the biggest, most complete land in Epic Universe, and it shows. From the rides to the food to the atmosphere, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, look around, and feel something.
And when we got home? We all rewatched the movies. Separately. Quietly. Like we were each chasing that feeling again.
We can’t wait to return.
Isle of Berk surprised us in the best way—but it was just one part of the magic. From spell-casting in the Ministry of Magic to racing through the cosmos, Epic Universe is packed with unforgettable moments. We’ve rounded up our favorite experiences across the entire park to help you plan your own adventure.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
