- Ricky Menzies
- Last Checked and/or Updated 26 August 2024
- Travel Ideas, Norsemen & Vikings
The beginning and the end of the Viking Age, or whether we should even call it a Viking Age, is part of an ongoing scholarly debate. Therefore, for the purposes of this article, I have taken a traditional view on the Age of Vikings. The Viking Age was an era of exploration characterised by raiding, trading and settlement. The impact of Vikings on medieval Europe meant that traces of Norse culture can be found throughout the world where Viking society reached. Viking warriors left behind artefacts of daily life, death and their religion. With such world-spanning influence, it’s not surprising the saga of the Norsemen can be told through some of the most archaeologically significant sites preserved today. From Runestones to Long Ships, Longhouses and villages. This list takes you through 20 important sites you should consider visiting to better connect with the Viking world.
Some of these sites such as the Jelling Monument and Jorvik are well known for their impact on Viking Age history. Some of the lesser known sites such as The Braaid and many of the sites on the Orkney and Shetland islands deserve more attention for their significance in understanding the intricacies of Viking life.
The site of Trelleborg, although not unique, is a fantastic representation of Viking defence and infrastructure, transforming our view of Vikings as aggressors into defenders. Tjodhilde’s Church and the Oseberg Ship are good representations of important women in the Viking Age. In all, this is not an exhaustive list of the most important Viking sites, this is a list of archaeologically significant sites that represent our understanding of the Viking world.
Recommended Books on the Vikings
- Children of the Ash & Elm (2022) by Neil Price, published by Penguin Books and available to purchase online at Amazon, Bookshop.org and UK.Bookshop.org
- The Vikings (2018, 3rd edition) by Else Rosedahl, published by Penguin Books and available to purchase online at Bookshop.org and UK.Bookshop.org
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate Archaeology Travel earns from qualifying purchases.
Lindisfarne Priory - England
From under a sky full of dragons the Norsemen came, or so historical accounts will have us believe, to the island of Lindisfarne in 793 AD. This marked the first cataclysmic Viking raid that began the Age of the Vikings in Britain.
Today the ruins of an 11th century Norman priory built on top of where the famous attack happened is maintained by English Heritage and is accompanied by a museum that hosts living history events in the summer. Lindisfarne Castle is much later in age, and is managed by the National Trust. The history of the island goes as far back as 635 AD when St Aidan founded the ill-fated monastery. It is also the first resting place of one of the most celebrated northern saints, St Cuthbert, before his remains were moved to Durham.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is situated off the coast of Northumbria in Northern England. Being a tidal island, Lindisfarne can be reached by car on the 5 mile long mettled causeway that links it to the mainland when the tide is out. The crossing at Beal, located on the A1 has a notice board with crossing tidal information (published online). There is a local bus that operates most days during the summer and can be caught at Berwick Station.
Those with a taste for adventure might consider walking the Pilgrims Way which takes around two hours and is very muddy. Safety information can be found at the Northumberland Coast AONB website and it is recommended to be accompanied by someone with local knowledge.
Jelling Monuments - Denmark
Said to be the birth certificate of a unified Christian Denmark and the gravemarker of the last pagan King and Queen of the Danes, the Jelling stones are an exceptional example of heathen and Christian Norse culture brought together. The monuments that surround these Runestones are equally impressive and it is little wonder why this has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Erected by King Gorm the Old in memory of his Queen Thyra, the smaller and older of the two Runic inscriptions mentions the name of Denmark for the first time. The larger of the two stones was raised by Harald Bluetooth, son of King Gorm. It is dedicated to his parents and his greatest achievement; unifying Denmark and Norway and converting the Danes to Christianity. Decorated with the oldest depiction of Christ in Scandinavia on one side and a Nordic Dragon on the other, these Runestones are two of the most important in Viking history.
Two flat topped burial mounds tower over a small Church built some time in the 10th Century mark the two resting places of King Gorm. Excavations revealed the longest stone ship ever discovered beneath the mound but the remains of the heathen king seem to have been moved into the church.
The Kongernes Centre expands on what you can learn about Jelling Viking heritage through lively and exciting interactive exhibitions. The centre is open from 10.00 – 17.00 Monday to Sunday and costs 120 Danish Krone or about 16 Euros per adult. Entry is free for under 18s. Tickets can be bought at the national museum of Denmark website. Guided tours are available and there are several places to eat and drink with reasonable closing times in the summer. The site is accessible by car with a generous gravel car park close to the centre.
Jorvik Viking Centre - England
The Great Heathen Army, led by Ivar the Boneless, set its sights on York and captured the city in around 866/7 AD. From then, the region’s fate was sealed and the Viking occupation of Yorkshire began. Occupation led to Viking settlement and with it, the daily life of the Norsemen was etched into the ground for archaeologists to discover over a thousand years later.
Excavated between 1976 and 1981, the Coppergate Dig run by the York Archaeological Trust lies beneath the Jorvik Viking Centre in Central York. Well preserved remains of the Viking city were discovered, including timber buildings, workshops, and animal pens to name a few. Over 40,000 artefacts were recovered, including some organic remains such as leather, textiles, plants and even a coprolite (fossilised faeces).
Visitors will have a chance to discover and learn more about how archaeological excavation is conducted through the reconstructed site under a glass floor. Voices of the original archaeologists, along with images and objects will guide you through.
The Jorvik Viking Centre aims not only to show appreciation for the immensely important archaeological work done at Coppergate, but to also educate through innovative and creative ways. Since the Centre’s re-invention in 2017, investment in new technology to tell the story of Viking Jorvik means a fully interactive experience with an increase in sensory stimuli. Visitors are taken back in a time capsule to 975 AD to encounter life through sights, smells, sounds and touch and embark on a tour of Viking Age York. It should be noted that pre-booking is now necessary to visit the Jorvik Centre and tickets can be purchased on their website.
þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park - Iceland
Driven from their homes in Norway by the tyrannical King Harald Finehair, the Icelanders began settling Iceland from between 870 – 930 AD. Breaking free from monarchic rule, a new way of self governing was adopted, the world’s first parliament. The establishment of the Alþing (Althing) in 930 AD was a hugely important moment for the settlers of Iceland. It was an assembly of all free men in the country to come together every spring to discuss law matters, make announcements and exchange ideas.
Thingvellir was chosen as the venue for the Althing not only for its advantageous location, water and grassland but also its high rock walls and natural beauty. A raised platform for The Lawspeaker was required along with a flat plain of land where the audience could stand. All of this and more could be found in the rift valley between the two tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia.
When visiting this monumental location, visitors are immediately hit by the wonders of its rugged and dramatic landscape. The complex is protected by law so walkways have been erected for people to follow around and see what Thingvellir has to offer. Although there are plenty of things to do for the outdoorsy, including hiking, diving and fishing, historians interested in the Viking Parliament will need to head to Öxarárfoss (Öxarár waterfall). This is where the path starts that will bring you through the historic landscape.
It is not clear exactly where the Althing would have taken place but previous excavations have revealed fragments of 50 turf and stone booths leaving only a tantalising glimpse into Viking Iceland.
We have detailed information about how to get to Thingvellir, what there is to see and other visitor information.
Birka - Sweden
Founded in circa 750 AD, the Viking City of Birka is generally accepted to be Sweden’s oldest town. Established by the Norse as a trading centre because of its ideal location on the road to Old Uppsala, Birka thrived for around 200 years before it was replaced by the Christianised town of Sigtuna in around 975 AD.
Birka, located on the island of Björkö, is paired with the archaeological site of Hovgården on the island Adelsö. Hovgården acted as the seat of the king for over 600 years and overlooks Björkö across the water. A large runestone is located near the ruins of the King’s dwelling along with a Medieval church and five burial mounds, three of which are said to be Royal.
A boat can be caught from Linby Jetty to cross Lake Mälaren to reach Björkö where the Viking Centre of Birka is found. The whole island has a lot to offer since excavations have been ongoing for the last 150 years. Evidence of contact to as far as Constantinople has been recovered, illustrating the vast network tradesmen had during the early Viking Age.
A huge number of burial mounds mark where the original town was built, and a reconstructed village can be visited to get an idea of what it may have looked like. A museum that displays some of the most important artefacts discovered on the island also hosts themed exhibitions and guided tours.
Entrance to the museum and archaeological site costs 160 Swedish Krona or about 14 euros and 80 Swedish Krona (about 7 euro) for kids. Alternatively, you can pay to enter only the museum for 110 Swedish Krona or 9.50 euros and 55 Swedish Krona (5 euros) for kids. Opening times vary so it’s worth checking on their website or pre-book tickets.
L'anse aux Meadows - Canada
The sagas tell us that in a lucky twist of fate, blown off course on his way to Greenland, the Viking Explorer Leif Eriksson may have been the first European to stumble upon North America. He named it Vinland for the wild grapes that grew there.
Not long after the discovery, Norse settlers chose to build a small outpost on the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada, known today as L’anse aux meadows.
The sparse traces of 8 buildings made of sod over wood left only impressions in the ground, making this discovery miraculous. Excavations revealed over 800 Viking artefacts including evidence of what may have been the very first iron working activity on the continent. It is unsurprising therefore, that L’anse aux meadows became Canada’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the only confirmed Viking site in North America.
Today visitors will be able to see the original site alongside a carefully reconstructed version of the outpost. A visitors centre, programs and events are also available and Parks Canada recommends planning at least 3 hours to tour the site. There are hikes and picturesque coastal views along the trail.
Being the site is very rural, located on the northern tip of Newfoundland, it is important visitors plan ahead. The recommended way of getting there is by car. It is an hour drive from St Anthony Airport or a 3-5 hour drive from Gros Morne National Park. Tours and overnight stays are available.
Trelleborg Fortress - Denmark
Attacked on several fronts by Saxons, Angles, Veleti and his own raiding countrymen, Viking King Harald Bluetooth and his followers needed a defensive structure to ensure the safety of his people. Huge earthworks were undertaken to create ring fortresses of monumental size. The first to be discovered and best preserved example of these ring fortresses can be found at Trelleborg, Denmark.
With a uniform geometric shape, complete with rampart, moat and four road entrances that are orientated towards the four cardinal directions, Trelleborg Ring Fortress is a typology setting example of these spectacular structures. The courtyard within was also divided into four, with each quadrant containing four longhouses, making a square shape. Several other buildings were also built within the fort making it an ideal location to hold out during an attack. Longhouses were also built around the circumference of the outside.
In all, 31 houses were excavated and thousands of objects were recovered during excavations in the 1930s. Dendrochronological dating has positively dated the site to the 10th Century during Harald Bluetooth’s reign, confirming the impressive technical expertise of those who were once thought of as marauding savages.
Today visitors to the site can expect to see a full sized reconstruction of a longhouse based on ones excavated at the fortress. The museum contains many of the important artefacts recovered from the site including Denmark’s one and only preserved Viking shield. Summer activities and events are held at the site along with guided tours and museum exhibitions. The use of VR headsets and Augmented reality offers a unique and immersive way of experiencing the site during a battle.
Prices vary based on high and low seasons and practical information such as opening times can be found on the National Museum of Denmark website.
The Braaid - Isle of Mann
Settled by the Viking Sea Kings of Dublin between 850 – 990 AD, the Isle of Mann was a strategically well placed island for a population of pirates who profited from disrupting trade routes and dominating coastal regions. The assimilation of the Norsemen into Gaelic society and vice versa meant that a new culture emerged, the Hiberno-Norse.
The parliament of Tynwald, established in 979 AD is a testament to the Hiberno-Norse settlement of the island and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. Coins minted on the Isle of Mann between 1025 – 1065 AD in the Hiberno-Norse style show strong ties to the Kingdom of Dublin. However, it is in the landscape that we can see the legacy of the Hiberno-Norse living together, especially at The Braaid.
This small site that lies between Braaid hamlet and Mount Murray, contains one Celtic style Iron Age Roundhouse set beside two Viking style Longhouses. According to archaeologists, these homesteads were occupied until the 11th or 12th Century. This is a unique site of outstanding interest that shows two cultures living side by side.
When visiting the Isle of Mann, there are plenty of museums to see such as the House of Manannan which tells the story of the settlement of the island by the Norse from the perspective of a Celtic god. The Manx Museum contains a large array of Viking, Celtic and Hiberno-Norse artefacts along with displays of distinctive Norse art at the Viking Gallery. Runestones, Churches and a castle thought to have been constructed in the 10th Century for a Viking King can all supplement your visit.
Roskilde Viking Ship Museum - Denmark
Nestled between boggy lowlands and wooded hills, the Viking capital of Denmark, Roskilde has a long and storied history. Protected by the Roskilde fjord, this strategically located city thrived from its establishment in the 980s AD until today. With a population of around 5000 during the rise of the Northern kingdoms, Roskilde was one of the largest and most important trading settlements in the Norse world.
At the bottom of the Roskilde Fjord, the wreckages of five Viking longships dated to the 11th century were discovered. However, what makes these ships even more fascinating, is the fact they were intentionally sunk. The reason for this was to protect the fairway from enemy naval attack. Significantly, each of the 5 ships are of different types, ranging from cargo ships to war ships, giving archaeologists a broader insight into Viking Age maritime activity and ship construction.
Needless to say, these ships take centre stage at Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum. Not only are the original ships a permanent exhibition for visitors to see, but a special emphasis is placed on maritime experimental archaeology. A shipyard dedicated to publicly reconstructing the different Viking Longships for research purposes can be viewed at the museum. Excitingly, these are fully functioning ships, one of which has even made a voyage to Dublin.
If spectating isn’t enough, visitors also have the opportunity to go on their own sailing trip on a traditional Nordic wooden boat, powered by sail and oar. The trip lasts for about an hour and costs 160 Danish Krona or 21.50 euros. Kids under 18 can go for free. Practical information on visiting the museum can be found at the Viking Ship Museum website.
Gamla Uppsala - Sweden
Three Royal Mounds for three Deities; Freyr, Thor and Odin. Gamla Uppsala is said to be the final resting place of the Gods. A graveyard of Kings from the 6th Century, this location has been a sacred place for Sweden for well over 2,000 years.
Excavated in the 1830s with the aim of proving these mounds were not of Norse Mythology but actually the graves of Pre-Viking Royal Kings, the Eastern mound revealed several important finds. This included the fragments of a decorated bronze panel reminiscent of the Sutton Hoo helmet.
The central mound has never been excavated but the Western Mound uncovered four engraved jewels originating from the Middle East. This is evidence of far reaching contact to the East as early as the 6th Century AD.
It is, however, the Old Uppsala Church that captures the attention and imagination of most Viking Age historians. According to Snorri Sturluson and Adam of Bremen, it was here the Pagan Temple of Uppsala was located. Described as the most significant site of Old Norse religious belief, it was destroyed by the Christian King Inge the Elder around 1070 AD. Excavations underneath the current church uncovered an older wooden structure thought to be the temple itself.
Visitors to this fascinating location can expect to see plenty of Viking Age burial mounds across the landscape. It is also home to the largest number of Runestones in the world. A museum is located near the church and Archaeological park where many of the artefacts recovered from the mounds are on display. Prices and opening times can be found on the Gamla Uppsala Museum website.
Depending on the time of year you choose to go, you might be lucky enough to see a pagan ritual. Today, Gamla Uppsala is used by Modern Norse Pagans as a site of worship during the seasonal festivals, making this a particularly unique Viking site to visit. More information about these events can be found on the Forn Sed Sverige website.
Njardarheimr - Norway
The field of living history and experimental archaeology is a fascinating study into the lives of people in the past. The act of reconstructing the skills and knowledge of craftsmen, builders, smiths, and weavers is a vital part of understanding the daily lives of the Medieval Norse. The Viking Village in the Valley of Gudvangen named Njardarheimr, in dedication to the Norse God of the sea, Njord, aims to do exactly that.
Situated in the quiet and idyllic Sognefjord region, this enchanting Viking town has a huge amount to offer. Unlike many of the museums on this list, Njardarheimr does not rely on the use of new technology such as VR and Augmented reality to tell its story. Instead, visitors are submersed into Viking life by re-enacting exactly how scholars have come to understand their society. In some ways, the people living in this village are the true authority on how the Northmen would have lived, because they live it themselves.
Guided tours, axe throwing, and archery are only the tip of the iceberg. Visitors are encouraged to learn their own crafts such as wool spinning, woodworking, leather crafting and blacksmithing. The smell of locally sourced authentic Viking food, cooked over a fire can be purchased. Poetry and fireside stories are recited and the sound of music echoes between the hills.
There are a few ways to get to the Viking Village including by car and by boat. Taking the boat means you can experience the captivating nature that surrounds the Viking Valley and feel what it must have been like to arrive in this small trading town 1000 years ago.
Oslo Viking Ship Museum - Norway
To the East, in Vestfold County, Norway, two women of outstanding importance were buried inside a large Longship under a burial mound. Richly adorned with grave goods, this burial is suspected to have been inhumed around 800 – 834 AD. Known as the Oseberg Ship, this is one of three of Norway’s most important Viking artefacts ever discovered.
Held now in Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum, a research facility dedicated to the Viking Age, the Oseberg Ship, Gokstad Ship and Tune Ship are marvels of the Medieval North.
Unfortunately closed for renovations until 2027, the Viking Ship Museum should go on the backburner of your world Viking tour. It is definitely worth waiting to see both the reproductions and the original conserved ships for yourself. The museum intends on reopening as a fully dedicated Museum of the Viking Age and will be three times as big as its predecessor. Excitingly, it will include a lecture hall, more exhibitions and a publicly accessible laboratory.
However, the Viking Ship Museum has provided an alternative venue to view some of Norway’s exquisite Viking Artefacts. The Ships are not available for viewing at the time of writing this article, but the Historical Museum has a permanent Viking exhibition for your visit to Oslo.
The exhibition contains 19 display cases of objects all found in Norway, including one of the most amazing Viking sword discoveries ever made. The Langeid Sword was inlaid with mystical gold symbols, highly unusual for the time. An inscription in the hilt has baffled scholars since its discovery.
The Historical Museum is closed on Mondays and open 10.00 – 17.00 for the rest of the week. It costs 140 Norwegian Krona (12 euros) for adults, 100 Norwegian Krona (8.50 euros) for students and is free for under 18s.
The Rök Runestone - Sweden
Hidden in plain sight, built into a 12th century Church wall, the 5 ton Rök Runestone encoded a lost fragment of Norse Mythology in Skaldic poetry. It is one of the largest and most famous Runestones in Viking history and a groundbreaking find for those who want to understand the Old Gods and heroes of the Norse Mythos.
Being carved in Younger Futhark Runes, Runologists have dated the stone to around the 9th Century, before Christian clerics brought literature to Scandinavia. The inscription itself tells an encrypted tale in Skaldic kennings about an Ostrogothic King, Theodoric the Great. Many of the references to Norse Mythological creatures have been completely unknown to scholars until its decipherment.
Unlike the Sagas and Eddas of Iceland, Christian censorship had not reached Scandinavia at the time of this carving and so remains a vital piece of primary evidence of Heathen religion. Containing 760 runes, it is the longest runic inscription ever found, rare for its kind, and does not follow the usual formula found in the more common 11th Century runestones. Due to it being one of the oldest Viking runic inscriptions we have, it is considered the beginning of Sweden’s historic period.
The runestone is located next to the church it was recovered from in Rök, Ödeshög Municipality, Östergötland, Sweden. It is about a 2 and half hour drive away from Stockholm or an hour drive from the nearest city of Jönköping. There are no visitor centres or museums dedicated to it, so it is free to visit but it is protected by a small pavilion.
The Isle of Unst - The Shetlands
With his grip on the lands of Norway and demand for subjugation or exile, Harald Finehair caused many of the Norse inhabitants of Scandinavia to flee in the 9th Century AD. Some sailed to Iceland, some to Ireland and some to The Shetland Isles.
Much like the Isle of Mann, Shetland was an ideal base for pirates to raid the shores of Scotland from. This led many of the Norsemen to settle in Shetland alongside the Pictish population. Eventually, looking to expand his power, in 875 AD Harald Finehair launched an invasion of Shetland and Orkney, dragging it under Norwegian rule. In 995 AD King Olaf Tryggvason forced the Norse population to convert to Christianity by the tip of his sword.
Unst is the most northerly and easterly of the Shetland Isles and so was naturally the first foothold for Vikings in the North Atlantic Islands. Much of their remains litter the landscape and can still be seen today. It has the largest number of rural Longhouses in the world, totalling 30. Many of these can be found in Underhoull, in the Southwest of the Island. Sandy bays where Longships are thought to have berthed and Soapstone mines have been found in the area. In true Viking fashion a nearby Broch was robbed of its stones to build their drystone turf houses.
The ruins of a 12th Century church dedicated to the Christian Viking King Saint Olaf is also within the vicinity of this rural settlement. Built in a Celtic style, the burial grounds of the church contain several Celtic-Norse style stone crosses.
Visitors to the Island looking for Viking sites might also want to see the reconstructed Turf Longhouse in Haroldswick. Placed next to it, the replica of the Gokstad Ship found in Norway, named Skidbladner can be viewed. A set of wooden steps allow visitors to climb onboard the ship.
MaesHowe Burial Chamber Runic Inscription - Scotland
According to the Orkneyinga Saga, on the ninth day of Yule in 1152 Earl Harold Maddadson set out for Orkney in an attempt to lead a surprise attack on his enemy Earl Erlend Haraldson. On the thirteenth day of Yule, he and his men were caught in a snow blizzard. Forced to take shelter, they dug themselves into a burial chamber, where two of his men went insane.
Older than Stonehenge, and most of the Pyramids of Egypt, MaesHowe Burial Chamber (Orkahaugr in Old Norse) is a surprisingly complex feat of pre-historic engineering. Likely constructed in around 2800 BC, this neolithic marvel lay dormant for over a thousand years until the Norse Crusaders looted the monument and left their mark. Thirty runic inscriptions, the most found anywhere outside of Scandinavia, graffiti the walls of this tomb.
Boastful claims, killing time, jokes, treasure and an exciting reference to Njals Saga are only some of the subjects written on these walls. An ornate carving of mythical creatures including what has come to be known as the MaesHowe Dragon can be found in the chamber.
As the heart of Neolithic Orkney, and in the spirit of preventing any more graffiti from being added to the walls, visits inside the chamber are by guided tour only. It starts and finishes at Stenness and costs 10 British pounds or about 12 euros. Tours can be booked on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Tjodhilde’s Church - Greenland
Outlaw, explorer, Viking, and master marketer, Erik the Red, is commonly credited for discovering and beginning the settlement of Greenland. According to Íslendingabók (the book of Icelanders), Erik named the land in order to encourage people to settle there.
In the summer of 985 AD Erik and a handful of brave Icelanders began to settle the rocky, frozen eastern shores of Greenland. Eventually two main settlements began to take shape; the Eastern settlement which grew to around 5000 people, and the Western settlement that eventually became the capital of modern Greenland, Nuuk.
With settlement, the advent of Conversion followed closely behind. Christianity brought books, literacy and most significantly for archaeologists, Churches.
The first church in Greenland, and thus the first church in the West was built at Brattahlíð, the town Erik the Red founded in Eystribyggð. Today it is the town of Qassiarsuk, which conveniently has an airport 5km away in Narsarsuaq. Built not at the command of a man, but by the commission of a woman, it was Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde who had the church constructed. Although Erik remained a Norse Pagan, Tjodhilde and their son Leif (of Vinland fame) were enthusiastic Christians who embraced the faith.
Today a reconstruction of the church close to the original site, alongside a replica of a Viking longhouse can be visited. The remains of three farms can be seen in the landscape and visitors are treated to a talk from scholar and guide Edda Lyberth.
Dublin - Ireland
After seizing an ecclesiastical settlement at the site known as Duiblinn in 837 AD, Viking raiders became Viking conquerors and changed the course of history of Ireland forever.
Creating what is known as a Longphort, a Viking ship fort on the shore, that protected its inhabitants while also giving immediate access to the sea, the Vikings put themselves in an advantageous permanent position for raiding. From there Vikings raided the surrounding settlements, until the capture and death of the Viking leader Turgesius in 845 AD.
In 849 AD the Viking settlement at Dublin was attacked and destroyed. This led to a retaliation of 140 Viking Longships to land on Ireland’s shores.
Today the mark of the Vikings can be seen in the archaeological record, especially in Dublin. A special dedicated museum focused on a living history approach to teaching visitors about Viking Age Ireland offers a full sensory experience. Fully interactive, visitors are encouraged to try on helmets, handle swords and stand onboard a Longship.
Another important site for Viking historians to visit is Christ Church Cathedral. Sitric Silkenbeard, a Hiberno-Norse king, is said to have erected the original church in the early 11th Century. An audio guide is available to take you through the Cathedral’s history from Viking times until today.
The most important Viking site in Dublin, however, is Wood Quay, the former Viking settlement. Excavations were conducted between 1974 and 1981 by the National Museum of Ireland to recover what was left of the settlement. Here it was discovered that it was in fact the Viking’s who brought Ireland into the European monetary system. The thousands of finds recovered from this excavation are housed at the National Museum of Ireland but it is possible to step inside what is now the Dublin City Council to view the remains of the Hiberno-Norse city wall.
The Saga Trails - Iceland
Iceland is the land of Saga. The main body of the literary corpus comes from the Old Icelandic tradition and it is what has informed Viking Age historians since the written word was taken down on vellum in the 12th Century. The heroic stories of the Icelanders have been studied and debated since the discipline was established. The most pertinent question that keeps coming up time and time again is; were the sagas true?
Although this question will never really be answered, a consensus has been reached. This is that, although many of the incredible feats and supernatural exploits featured in these Medieval stories are likely the stuff of fantasy, many of the sagas that were told, were indeed set in very real places.
Events from the saga of the Viking Poet Egill Skallagrímsson are situated at Borgarfjörður in the West of Iceland. Notable locations include Skallagrímshaugr, Egill’s father’s burial mound and Borg, the farm both Egill and his father lived at. This is also an important location due to its connection with Snorri Sturluson, author of the Prose Edda.
Suðurland is home to some of the most important sites from Njals Saga. This saga is considered to be the pinnacle of saga writing, a masterpiece of the genre and the most popular and famous of them all. Skálaholt has been one of the most important sites in Medieval Iceland for eight centuries. It is the site of a bishopric founded in 1056 along with the first official school, opened to educate clerics in the art of reading and writing.
Knafahólar and Gunnarssteinn are the sites where Gunnar of Njal’s saga was ambushed and battled 30 men.
Dalabyggð is home to a whole ensemble of famous and important characters from saga history. This includes Eiríksstaðir (Erik the Red’s place) and Vínlandssetur, an exhibition dedicated to Leif Eriksson and his Vinland Voyage. Many of the important settings of the Laxdœla Saga including Guðrúnarlaug, where Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir is said to have lived. This site also has a geothermal pool.
Snæfellsnes is the region in which the famously supernatural ghost stories of the Eyrbyggja saga took place. Here you will find the Berserkjagata trail (the path of the Berserkers), Fróðárundrin (Fróðá Wonders) a place full of ghosts and zombies, and Þingvǫllr assembly place along with Þórssteinn sacrificial stone where men were supposedly sacrificed, to name a few.
These locations are very much spread out across most of Iceland and so a car will definitely be required to visit them. Many of these places are quite rural and require some moderate hiking. The weather is often windy and wet so it is highly recommended planning for these visits well in advance.
Rouen Cathedral - France
Striped sails hanging from a tall mast overlooking the head of a dragon. That’s the sight the people of the town of Rouen learned to fear the most. The first raid on Rouen in 841 AD conducted by legendary figure Ragnar Lothbrok, led to a whole series of attacks up and down the Seine River.
After the violent Siege of Chartres, in an effort to make peace with the Northmen, King Charles the Simple made a treaty with Viking leader Rollo the Walker in order to both appease the Norsemen and to bring them over to their side. The Northmen finally had a strong foothold in Frankia and in 911 AD the Duchy of Normandy was born, Rouen becoming its capital.
Rollo had two stipulations in his agreement with the King. He must swear allegiance to the King and protect Frankia from his own countrymen in any attack henceforth, and he must be baptised. Rollo agreed and took the baptismal name Robert, setting himself up as Count of Rouen and Duke of Normandy.
Today Rouen is a must see city for Medieval historians. It is filled with history from throughout the middle ages, much of which can be seen on the streets and in its buildings. Embracing its Viking heritage, the town has an interesting immersive museum called the Viking Cites Immersive, a good place to start to explore Viking Rouen.
However, the true gem lies at the Cathedral where Rollo was both baptised and buried. It would be his legacy that would see the events that led to the end of the Viking Age as we have written it.
Opening hours and practical information about the church can be found at the Rouen Cathedral website.
Stamford Bridge - England
The Last Viking King, Harald Hardrada, and a fleet of 300 Longships sailed to the coast of Northern Britain in the year 1066. For a contested crown, newly appointed King of England, Harold Godwinson marched north to face the invaders. This would become the event that would see to the end of the Viking Age.
Harald “the Hard Ruler” epitomised the Viking spirit. An adventurous warrior, Harald made his name at the age of fifteen at the battle of Stiklestad where his half brother King Olaf was killed. He was exiled henceforth to the Kievan Rus where he made a journey all the way to Constantinople. There he joined the famous Byzantine Varangian Guard, where he rose to commander. He saw action all over Asia Minor and the Mediterranean, amassing wealth and status. However, the allure of the crown was too much to ignore, and eventually Harald returned to his homeland of Norway to reclaim the throne.
Difficulties with the English crown led to Harold Godwinson becoming King of England after the death of Edward the Confessor. Godwinson’s brother Tostig, however, pledged allegiance to the Norwegian King and invited him to England to usurp Harold.
After an outstanding forced march, Harold Godwinson was able to catch the invading army off guard at the River Derwent just outside of York.
On the Eastern bank of the river, a Viking army and on the West the Anglo-Saxon. A single bridge and a lone Viking warrior stood between the two.
Harald Hadrada was killed on the battlefield on the 25th September 1066, and with him Norwegian influence in England. The Viking Age in Britain was at an end.
Today two memorial stones can be visited at Stamford Village on Main Street to the East of Church Road and at the end of Whiterose Drive. Although the main area of the battle has been significantly developed and so is lost, some of the battleflats on the east side of the river can be accessed through footpaths. Part of the battleflats can also be found on the long distance footpath, the Minster Way.
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To find more Viking sites and museums, see our Guide to the Archaeology of Norsemen & Vikings.
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