Over a thousand years ago, the Vikings emerged from the rugged landscapes of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Scandinavia.
Spanning the years from approximately 800 to 1050, the Viking Age was a period of remarkable exploration. These seafaring adventurers journeyed far beyond the horizons of their homeland, trading, raiding, and settling in distant lands such as France, Ireland, Iceland, and even Greenland.
Yet, it is in their ancestral home that their legacy is most deeply etched, with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark offering a wealth of Viking remains that continue to captivate visitors today.
What Can You See?
Scandinavia boasts an array of attractions where history comes alive: from museums showcasing intricately preserved Viking longboats to ancient settlements and haunting burial grounds. Standing stones adorned with runes and fascinating archaeological finds await eager explorers.
Highlights include the largest Viking longhouse ever uncovered in Borg, nestled in Norway’s Lofoten Islands; the iconic rune stones at Jelling in Denmark; and the extensive Viking silver haul freshly excavated in Täby, Sweden. And honestly, these treasures merely scratch the surface!
Visiting Viking Sites Yourself
While some of Scandinavia’s Viking sites are conveniently located, others require more effort to reach. You’ll find well-organized museum sites, complete with informative displays and guides clad in Viking attire—sometimes even reenacting historical events!
These venues provide an immersive experience, allowing you to delve into the cultural richness and daily lives of the Vikings. Alternatively, some sites offer a more tranquil vibe, where you can wander at your leisure, soaking in the atmosphere of ancient Viking camps.
For a truly enriching experience, consider taking a tour led by knowledgeable guides who can deepen your understanding of Viking culture.
Explore our guides on Viking cuisine and games for more insights into their way of life.
Guided Tours You Can Join
If you’re eager to explore Scandinavia’s esteemed Viking sites through a guided tour, a wealth of options is at your disposal.
Choose from a variety of experiences, including museum tours, archaeological site visits, reenactments, Viking feasts, boat excursions, and both short day trips or extended multi-day tours, complete with accommodations and transportation.
These tours span the breadth of Scandinavia, from Norway and Sweden to Denmark and even Iceland. So, whether you crave an interactive Viking feast or seek an in-depth understanding of their historical lifestyle from expert guides, there’s an adventure to suit your interests.
Short Tours and Day Trips
Here are some of our top recommendations for shorter Viking tours across Scandinavia, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day (with multi-day options listed separately).
Visit Viking Sites from Stockholm
For a whirlwind experience, this tour from Stockholm incorporates a plethora of breathtaking Viking sites in just one day.
Among the highlights, you’ll explore the burial mounds of Viking kings at Gamma Uppsala, visit the ruins of a church honoring the warrior Saint Olaf in Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, and marvel at stunning rune stones at Arkils Tingstad. The tour is led by an expert guide steeped in Viking lore, making it a must for anyone keen to learn.
Snowshoe in the Fjords with a Viking Dinner
This unique offering invites you to snowshoe through Norway’s breathtaking fjords, followed by a delightful Viking-inspired dinner in a cozy pub.
Picture yourself savoring a feast of smoked reindeer and fish soup, accompanied by exquisite Ægir beers—all while seated in front of a crackling fire.
Explore the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
Combine history with culture on this day trip from Copenhagen, which features the renowned Roskilde Viking Ship Museum. Here, you can admire restored 11th-century ships and delve into the shipbuilding and seafaring traditions of the Vikings.
The tour also encompasses a visit to Roskilde Cathedral, the final resting place of 39 Danish monarchs, and Kronborg Castle—Shakespeare’s Elsinore.
Visit the Viking Islands from Ålesund
This guided tour from Ålesund in Norway’s fjordland introduces you to three renowned islands steeped in Viking history.
Explore Giske, the birthplace of the Viking Rollon—a figure connected to the British royal family—and Godoy, home to a legendary Viking lighthouse.
Take a Boat Trip to the Birka Viking Village
Your journey to the UNESCO-listed Birka Viking village on Sweden’s Lake Mälaren is a must-see. Once a bustling Viking settlement from the 8th century, the area continues to reveal its riches through ongoing excavations.
The reconstructed village allows visitors a taste of Viking life, featuring regular talks, guided tours, and reenactments of feasts and rituals. Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Stockholm included in the Stockholm Pass (May to October only).
Multi-Day Tours and Vacations
Looking to immerse yourself in Viking heritage? Consider structuring your holiday around visits to Viking sites, potentially exploring multiple Scandinavian countries. Here are some of our preferred multi-day Viking-themed tours.
Visit Viking Sites in Four Countries
This extensive 15-day tour covers significant Viking landmarks across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and even Germany, including the Jelling stones in Denmark, Norway’s stave churches, and Tanum rock art in Sweden.
Guidance from a senior lecturer in medieval archaeology from the University of York enhances the experience, with private tours of marvels like the Hedared Stave Church and the Tanum rock art.
Cruise Around the Viking Sites
Combine the thrill of Viking exploration with a scenic cruise on this 12-day adventure from Edinburgh, UK, which circumnavigates some of Scandinavia’s most enthralling Viking sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage city of Visby, famed for its well-preserved Viking architecture.
You’ll also stop in Scotland’s remote Orkney Islands, where Viking settlers left their mark in the 8th century.
Explore Norway’s Viking History
If you prefer to remain in Norway, this week-long tour showcases some of the nation’s key Viking sites.
Highlights include a guided walking tour of the former Viking city of Bjørgvin, a visit to Gulating, the site of an ancient Viking court, and a tour around Svanøy, the birthplace of the legendary Erik Blodøks. Especially memorable is the visit to the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church, a stunning wooden structure crafted by Vikings in the 12th century.
Have a Viking Adventure in Iceland
In Iceland, too, you’ll find traces of Viking settlement, and this three-day guided journey includes excursions to an ice cave and a hike through a stunning glacial canyon.
A highlight is Þingvellir, a cultural site where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates converge and where Vikings established the Althing, the world’s oldest parliament. Walk through the gorge where continents collide and peer into Þingvellir’s Viking church.
See also:
Were there ever black Vikings?
The ultimate guide to Viking swords
Famous Vikings you should know about
Did Vikings have dreadlocks?
