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A Viking Tour of Scandinavia

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Take this Viking tour to walk in the footsteps of the past!

The current interest in the Scandinavia Vikings and Viking culture is very different from the past relationship the Vikings had with much of the world. Once upon a time, they were a source of terror for other cultures. Today, their seemingly fearless and dominant personality has earned them widespread interest and a leading role in entertainment. People of all ages are likely to have seen popular Viking images in films, video games, and more. We can’t lie- we’re interested, as well! That’s why we made this Viking tour of Scandinavia – the region which has hosted so much of their history!

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The word “Viking” itself holds some common misconception. Though commonly used to refer to an entire culture, it doesn’t actually refer to everyone within it. Only the warriors who were tasked with exploring and raiding other towns “earned” this title during the age of the Vikings. As the historian Patrick Goodness once said, “All Vikings are Norsemen, but not all Norsemen were Vikings.” That’s why we’ve decided the best way to understand this culture is to take our Viking tour around places they called home.

Seafront on the sunset with Viking ship

Bork Vikinghavn

Welcome to Bork Vikinghavn! Located strategically next to a harbor – as many Scandinavian Viking towns were – this is a simulation of a classic Viking town. You’ll not only see and learn about their lifestyle, you’ll also have the opportunity to walk in their shoes, wear their clothes, and cook their food!

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Traditional old Viking Age house hut in Bork village, Denmark

Ribe Viking Center

Ribe is the oldest town in all of Denmark, dating back to the 8th century. It’s just a bonus that it also has a thriving Viking center! The people of Ribe are so connected to their historical roots that they have reconstructed a Viking town, with actors portraying their everyday ways of life. Make sure to see the Ribe Viking Museum during your visit!

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The medieval village of Ribe, Denmark
Viking museum in Ribe, Denmark

Arsunda

Arsunda is an area best known for its locally sourced iron. A lesser known attraction is the recreated Viking farm, Arjogard. The iron resources no doubt contributed to the livelihood of Viking tribes and made this an ideal place to settle. This is most likely why the locals here have constructed a settlement reminiscent of their culture going back as long as 1000 years ago!

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authentic restored viking helmet under the high midday sun

Gerlev Legepark

Did someone say “sports?” Keep your hometown jerseys off because you won’t have a team to root for here. Vikings loved to compete for displays of strength and skill just like athletes do today, and the locals also loved to be entertained. Gerlev Legepark has built a Viking sports arena to give these games of old a try, and they invite you to come play. Whether it’s crossing narrow poles or throwing boots, you’ll see how these warriors showed off in their free time. If you’re looking for fun on your Scandinavia Viking tour, Gerlev Legepark is a MUST.

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Gerlev Legepark – gerlevlegepark.dk

Runriket

As you may have heard, runestones are still standing today which bear old messages of these cultures in their native alphabets. Without a doubt, the largest count of preserved runestones is in Runriket. Many different cultural phases that passed during the Viking age are memorialized here, including tribal shifts in power, notable travels, and exposure to other cultures. One of the most important changes the Vikings saw was a gradual conversion to Christianity led by one tribal king. External powers grew in influence over the development of modern-day Scandinavia after this king chose to be baptized. Soak up all the information this area has to offer with a Viking tour by bike, car, or pubic transportation.

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Rune stone in Runriket, Täby kyrkby, Sweden. Carved a thousand years ago by vikings.

Kongernes Jelling

While Runriket boast the largest number of runestones, Jelling is where two of the most notable and informative – not to mention the largest- stones have been preserved. These stones in particular have important inscriptions which correlate with well-known Danish history. Written here are some of the oldest accounts of the name “Denmark,” which is why they are thought to be connected to the nation’s founding. We also know when and by whom the Jelling stones were built, but you’ll have to visit them yourself to find out these details! Since the stones have been in the outdoors for nearly one thousand years, natural weather cycles are beginning to take a toll on their preservation.

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Jelling stones are massive carved runestones,10th century, Jelling, Denmark, Europe

The Viking Ship Museum Oslo

Vikings are notorious for their sneaky, strategic, and often savage raids on foreign villages. Many cultures have marveled at their ability to travel quietly and appear suddenly in unfamiliar and faraway lands. If you’re wondering how they were able to master this method, look no further than the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. Ships were a secret weapon of the Vikings, allowing them to stealthily navigate through difficult waters. This museum is located in Oslo, one of Scandinavia’s major cities, making it easy to access many other nearby attractions, as well.

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Roskilde, Denmark – Jun 25, 2019: Viking Ship Skuldelev 2 in the Viking Ship Museum Interior – Roskilde, Denmark

Vikingaliv

Vikingaliv is a new museum taking a revolutionary approach to educating visitors about the Scandinavian Viking heritage. This museum perfectly incorporates different elements of the Viking age to create the ultimate Viking experience. There are artifacts of Viking materials paired with expert analyses and fun experiences to enjoy. The activities are designed for visitors of all ages. Located in Stockholm, close to many other Viking sites nearby, this is one stop you don’t want to miss on your tour.

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Vikingaliv – by Carol Kent

The great story of the Norsemen and their Scandinavian Vikings has been kept alive in Scandinavia in many ways. The Viking mystery that plagued its neighbors for so long has been solved. Although the societies, cities, and politics here have progressed with modern times, the culture has held onto some of its older ties to the Viking age. So get ready for one of the most epic, interesting, and beautiful trips you’ll ever take!

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