Exploring Scandinavia – The Viking Holiday

Scandinavia is an awe-inspiring country, full to the brim with breathtaking scenery and steeped in incredible and rich history, a legacy left behind by the Vikings. From bloody excursions, to pre-Christian burial rituals, to ships and weaponry; although the Vikings disappeared long ago, their artefacts, folklore and the intrigue that came with them is still around today. The legendary Vikings were well known for their love of adventure and their exploration of new and exciting lands, so why not follow in their footsteps, book a trip to Scandinavia and have a Viking inspired adventure of your very own?

The Icelandic Horse

There is one thing that certainly should not be missed when discovering your own piece of Viking history, and that is a horse back tour on the aptly named “Icelandic Horse”. This particular breed of horse was introduced to Iceland by the Vikings themselves and can still be found in Iceland today. The tours run daily and allow you to leisurely discover the stunning Icelandic scenery including waterfalls and geysers. Suitable for Vikings of all ages.

Viking History

The Vikings built some of the most structurally impressive and intimidating ships ever to grace the seas. The Viking Ship Museum is home to one of the world’s best preserved Viking Ships – the Oseberg Ship, which displays some of the finest examples of intricate Viking woodcraft and carvings. To get a real taste of Vikings traditions, the preparation of their ships before they set sail on their brave voyages and the ship burials that housed the rich and powerful after they died, this museum is a must-see.
For a true taste of Viking culture, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, home to the largest reconstructed Viking longhouse in the world. It features tradition-inspired decorations and carvings, a mead hall and the opportunity for you to witness an authentic Viking feast, wild boar, mead, bonfire smells et al. If you want to discover just how tough the Vikings were, there are even seasonal events such as archery and axe-throwing for you to try.

Sail the Seas

If you’d rather experience life as a Viking in a more traditional sense, then why not do so in a way in which they were accustomed – by the sea! Opting to take a cruise will allow you to take in some of the same sights the Vikings did all of those years ago. Companies like Hurtigruten offer cruises with stops allowing you to explore some of the most magnificent scenery, fjords, national parks and wildlife you are ever likely to see.

Whether you’re travelling with children, or you’re travelling with a friend or partner, there really is something for everyone, and you’ll soon discover why the Vikings were so fond of this land.