Viking Raiders: From Norway to North America
The Viking Legacy
From 793 to 1066 CE, Vikings, also known as Norsemen, struck fear into the hearts of many. As skilled raiders, they sailed their longships into harbors, plundering and pillaging settlements. However, beyond their reputation as ruthless warriors, Vikings were also explorers and settlers, driven by a desire to discover new lands.
The Path of the Vikings
Inspired by a thirst for adventure and fertile lands, Vikings embarked on westward journeys from Europe. Their travels took them through distinct paths, which can still be traced today.
Norway: The Viking Homeland
Along the western coast of Norway, Vikings ruled as settlers and raiders. They built their longships in seaside towns like Bergen and Stavanger, embarking on expeditions that would lead them across the Atlantic.
Shetland Islands, Scotland: A Viking Stronghold
Around 850 CE, Vikings arrived in the Shetland Islands, leaving a lasting Norse influence. Evidence of their settlements can be found in archaeological sites and Old Norse place names.
Faroe Islands: A Viking Parliament
The name “Faroe Islands” itself derives from Old Norse. Vikings established a parliamentary meeting site in Tórshavn, the capital city. The Faroese parliament still meets in these buildings, making it the oldest functioning parliament in the world.
Iceland: A Viking Paradise
In the 800s, Vikings settled in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. They found a peaceful haven from their plundering past, establishing a thriving society.
Greenland: Erik the Red’s Exile
In 982, Erik the Red was exiled from Iceland for murder and sailed west to Greenland. He found a land that may have been green and fertile during the Medieval Warm Period. Vikings settled in Greenland for about 500 years before mysteriously vanishing.
Canada: The First Viking Settlement in North America
Centuries before Christopher Columbus, Vikings reached North America in the late 10th century. Leif Erikson led a group of settlers to L’Anse Aux Meadows, where they established the first Viking settlement.
Preserved Viking Sites
Jarlshof, Shetland Islands
Jarlshof is one of Scotland’s largest archaeological sites, showcasing over 4,000 years of settlement. Visitors can explore Viking longhouse ruins, Neolithic homes, and medieval farmsteads.
Up Helly Aa, Lerwick
This annual fire festival celebrates Viking heritage. Viking descendants follow a longship in procession, carrying torches and setting fire to a replica Viking boat at the end.
Kvivik, Faroe Islands
The Viking settlement at Kvivik offers a glimpse into a 10th-century Viking village. Ruins include longhouse and barn foundations.
Settlement Museum, Reykjavik
Ruins of a Viking settlement are preserved in an underground exhibit at the Settlement Museum in Reykjavik. Ancient saga manuscripts are also on display.
Hvalsey Church, Greenland
Built around 1300, Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Viking ruin in Greenland. Stone walls remain, offering a glimpse into the Viking era.
L’Anse Aux Meadows, Canada
Visitors to L’Anse Aux Meadows can explore the actual ruins of Leif Erikson’s settlement and a recreated Viking trading port nearby.