The Vikings were seafaring Scandinavian people who from the late 8th to the late 11th centuries raided and traded from their Northern European homelands across wide areas of Europe, and explored westwards to Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (North America). This period of history is known as the Viking Age. But how can you get in touch with the Vikings today, over a thousand years after their heyday? Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly contact the Vikings of old. However, there are a few ways you can learn about Viking history and culture, and even experience Viking life for yourself.
Visiting Viking Archaeological Sites and Museums
One great way to connect with Viking history is by visiting archaeological sites and museums related to the Vikings. Some of the best places to visit include:
- The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway – This museum houses three incredible 9th century Viking ship burials including the famous Oseberg Ship.
- Jorvik Viking Centre in York, England – At this living history museum you can walk through a reconstructed Viking village and see what life was like.
- Lofotr Viking Museum in Norway – Features a reconstructed Viking chieftain’s house from 500-700 CE.
- Viking Sites in Iceland – Places like Þingvellir National Park and Reykjavik harbor archaeological remains from the Viking Age.
- Viking Archaeological Sites in Greenland – Norse Viking settlements date back to the 10th century at sites like Brattahlíð.
By walking in the footsteps of the Vikings at these places, you can get a tangible connection to their history and culture. Experiencing reconstructed villages and ships firsthand provides unique insight into how the Vikings lived, worked, and traveled. Many museums also offer extras like traditional food tastings, craft demonstrations by costumed interpreters, and curated artifacts you can see up close. Visiting Viking sites is an immersive way to make contact with the Viking world.
Reading and Researching Viking History
Another way to learn about the Vikings is by reading books, articles, and academic papers about the period. Some topics you could research include:
- Major events and timeline of the Viking Age
- Viking raids and exploratory voyages to locations like England, Iceland, and Greenland
- Excavated artifacts like weapons, jewelry, longships, and everyday objects
- Norse mythology and religious beliefs
- Viking Age trade and economy
- Important historical Viking figures like Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, Ragnar Lothbrok, and Ibn Fadlan
- Runestones and Runic inscriptions
There are many great books and scholarly resources available if you want to dive into learning about a particular aspect of Viking history and culture in detail. Expanding your knowledge through research can strengthen your understanding of who the Vikings really were.
Attending a Viking Festival
Viking festivals and re-enactments are held around the world as a way for history enthusiasts to celebrate and re-create elements of Viking culture. At these family-friendly events you may be able to:
- Watch battle reenactments between Viking clans
- See displays of Viking arts, crafts, cooking, and clothing
- Listen to readings of Old Norse poetry and sagas
- Learn how to do activities like blacksmithing, woodworking, and weaving
- Sample traditional Viking foods and drink
- Participate in games and competitions like axe throwing
- Trade with reenactors dressed as Vikings
- Interact with trained reenactors portraying historical Viking figures
Some of the largest Viking festivals around the world include Up Helly Aa in Scotland, Jorvik Viking Festival in England, and the Dublin Viking Festival in Ireland. Attending an event like this allows you to experience Viking culture come to life before your eyes. You may feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Viking Age.
Trying Viking Age Food and Drink
Food and drink played an important role in Viking culture. Experiencing authentic Viking dishes and beverages can provide flavorful insight into how the Vikings lived and ate. Some traditional Viking fare you could try includes:
- Viking bread – Made from rye or barley flour and cooked over an open fire
- Meat stews – Using ingredients like lamb, beef, fish, and seafood
- Cheeses – Both soft and hard cheese were common
- Berries, apples, and honey – Used in dishes and beverages
- Roasts – Meat roasted on a spit over an open flame
- Mead – A fermented honey-based drink
- Ale – Beer made from malt, yeast, water, and hops
Recreating these hearty dishes and beverages can give you a literal taste of the Viking lifestyle. Look for Viking food served at historical reenactments, festivals, and even some Viking-themed restaurants. You could also try cooking some Viking recipes yourself at home. Just be sure to drink your mead and ale in moderation!
Learning the Old Norse Language
The Vikings spoke Old Norse, a language from which modern Scandinavian languages like Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and Icelandic derive. Studying Old Norse can provide insight into Viking poetry, literature, inscriptions, and more. Consider taking an Old Norse language course at your local college or university, or through an online learning platform. This will teach you the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation needed to read and speak like a Viking!
Focus on key Old Norse texts like the Poetic Edda, a collection of mythological and heroic poetry, and famous runestones like the Rök Runestone. Being able to decipher Runic writing and understand Old Norse will help immerse you in the medieval Scandinavian world.
Visiting Iceland and Greenland
For an in-depth experience of Viking history, consider traveling to Iceland and Greenland. Both islands were settled by Norse Vikings centuries ago. In Iceland, you can explore archaeological sites, learn about Norse mythology, and visit current towns founded by Vikings like Reykjavik. Relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is also a fun way to see the volcanic landscape that Vikings experienced. In Greenland, you can visit ruins of ancient Norse settlements, learn about how climate change impacted their settlements, and see Inuit cultural sites that give another perspective on Norse interactions in Greenland. By exploring these unique island nations, you’ll gain insight into the Vikings as explorers and settlers.
Getting Involved with Viking Reenactment
If you want to dive into recreating the Viking world yourself, consider joining a Viking reenactment group. These clubs for history enthusiasts allow you to research and adopt your own Viking persona, make accurate costumes and gear, and participate in “battles” and mock raids at festivals and events. Reenacting will let you experience the Viking lifestyle firsthand. But be ready for hard work! It takes dedication and attention to detail to authentically portray a Viking. Reenactment is very hands-on way to learn while channeling your inner Viking.
Conclusion
While we can’t literally contact the Vikings of old, there are many ways we can still connect with the medieval Scandinavian world and experience elements of Viking culture today. By visiting archaeological sites and museums, attending immersive festivals, trying traditional Viking food and drink, learning Old Norse, traveling to Iceland and Greenland, or doing Viking reenactment yourself, you can satiate your interest in this fascinating historical people. The Vikings will live on through our continued study, celebration, and preservation of their cultural legacy. Skål!