Viking Tours In Scandinavia

Viking culture has always held a fascination for those invaded by the Vikings. The English, the Scots and the Irish particularly love to revel in Viking mythology. The Jorvik Viking Centre in York, the Orkney Museum and the National Museum of Ireland pay homage to Viking ancestors.

Their reputation as fierce warriors is legendary so too is their shipbuilding skills and intricate craftsmanship. To discover their history across Denmark, Norway and Sweden many people are now taking to the high seas. From Newcastle, in the northeast of England, it is possible to plan a Viking holiday taking in these countries.

First stop is Bergen, the gateway to the fjords and known as the “City Between the Seven Mountains” (de syv fjell). Situated in the south west of Norway it is a harbour town of great charm mixed with all modern conveniences. Arriving by sea presents the spectacular mountains as a backdrop to this former capital of Norway. The fish market is a popular destination for many visitors and it is easy to find many good restaurants to charge you up for a Viking adventure.

Heading to Oslo, the present capital by road and the adventurer will cross the huge Hardangervidda (Northern Europe’s largest high-mountain plateau and Norway’s biggest national park). This is a journey of some 500 km across somewhat barren land interspersed by lakes, streams and glaciers, so be prepared is the warning. This is a very popular destination for all manner of outdoor activities throughout the year even though at best the climate is definitely alpine in nature.

Oslo, Norway’s capital in the east, enjoys warm weather during summer months although settled at the head of the Oslofjiord and encompassing 40 islands it is a little humid. The surrounding forests, hills and mountains make for a peaceful atmosphere as this is where city meets wilderness.

Bygdøy, to the west of Oslo and reached by a short ferry trip, is home to the Viking Ship Museum and the famous Oseberg Ship, the Gokstad Ship and the Tune Ship are housed there. The Kontiki, Fram and Maritime Museums are also on the Bygdøy peninsular so take your time when visiting. Frequently referred to as “The Viking Capital”, Oslo is steeped in Viking mythology.

Swedish Vikings, unlike their Danish and Norwegian cousins, were more inclined to trade and plunder to the east and south. From Russia as far as Jeruselem traces of Vikings are found. Perhaps in part due to these travels across land it has been recently suggested by Annika Larsson, archeologist of Uppsala University, that the ancient Vikings wore vivid colours to adorn their clothing while the women dressed provocatively. “They combined oriental features with Nordic styles. Their clothing was designed to be shown off indoors around the fire,” Larsson said.
Stockholm naturally draws Viking enthusiasts from across the globe. Sigtuna and Uppsala with the old Viking Parliament, Arkils Tingplats and the Mounds are historic sites while at “Jarlabankes bro”, the ancient Viking Bridge, there are the runic stones to be read. The church at Vallentuna, the Granby ruins and Lunda all form part of Sweden’s most historic Viking hertitage.

Denmark, considered by many as the heart of Viking culture, is the final leg of the Viking tours. Reached either by ferry or car from the rest of Scandinavia, Danish Vikings raided and traded in the Baltic, the British Isles and beyond. In recent years archaeological investigations of farms and village settlements in Denmark have uncovered a wealth of Viking history.

Copenhagen is host to the Danish Prehistory Collection in The National Museum which traces The Viking age from 800 to 1050AD. The Viking Ship Museum is in Roskilde, west of Copenhagen, The Trelleborg Viking Fortress was built in 980AD near the town of Slagelse and the Ladbyskibet Viking Chieftan burial site at Lanby are but a few of these discoveries. Discover these and many other places of interest before heading for the seaport of Esbjerg and the ferry back to Harwich on the east coast of England.

The Viking countries of Scandinavia are full of wonder and you can reach Denmark, Norway or Sweden by air, sea or road depending on your point of departure. Enjoy your exploration of the Viking mythology and of course your holiday.

Vikings Tours in Scandinavia from Oslo Visit Denmark