Warriors of the North: 12 Little-Known Facts About Norwegian Vikings
From fierce longship voyages to sagas that shaped Norse legends, Norway’s Viking heritage continues to inspire curiosity around the world. Here are 12 little-known facts that uncover the spirit of the Norwegian Vikings, followed by a list of Holland America shore excursions that allow you to walk in their footsteps.
12 Little-Known Facts About Norwegian Vikings
1. Norwegian Vikings Were More Than Raiders
Contrary to their bloodthirsty reputation, many Norwegian Vikings were traders, explorers, and skilled craftsmen. They established trade routes as far as the Middle East and laid cultural foundations in parts of the British Isles, Iceland, and beyond.
2. Viking Longships Were a Feat of Engineering
Designed for speed and flexibility, Viking longships could navigate open seas and shallow rivers alike. You can view these marvels at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum (reopening in 2027), which houses some of the best-preserved vessels ever found.
3. Not All Vikings Were Men
While the term vikingar applied only to men, women were an active part of Viking society. They enjoyed more rights than many of their European counterparts, with some even owning property, wielding influence, and — as recent archaeological discoveries suggest — possibly taking part in battles.
4. The Word “Viking” May Have Been a Verb
Some scholars believe that the phrase “to go a-viking” meant to embark on a sea expedition or raid — an adventurous action rather than a tribal name or identity.
5. Historians Still Study the Viking Sagas Today
Rich in both myth and history, the sagas provide more than mere entertainment — they offer insight into the lives, values, and belief systems of legendary Norse heroes.
6. Norway Is Home to One of the Best Viking Museums in the World
The Lofoten Viking Museum houses a full-scale reconstruction of a chieftain’s longhouse. Visitors can try axe throwing, row a Viking ship, and immerse themselves in daily Norse life.
Ready to explore Viking heritage? Find out more about our Northern Europe cruises.
7. You Can Stand Where Viking Kings Once Ruled
Visit Vestvågøy Island and the Borg Viking Museum to explore artifacts from real Viking chieftains or stop in Nordfjordeid’s Sagastad Museum, home of the full-scale Myklebust ship.
8. Håkon’s Hall in Bergen Is a Viking-Era Landmark
This medieval hall was built by King Håkon Håkonsson and reflects the Viking Age’s transition to a medieval monarchy, complete with feasts, power plays, and pure Norse grandeur.
9. Gudvangen Is a Living Viking Village
Step into the Viking Experience in Gudvangen — one of the most immersive Viking heritage sites in Norway, where artisans, warriors, and storytellers bring the era to life on a daily basis.
10. Viking Burial Sites Tell Us a Lot
Many Viking ships were used as burial vessels for nobles. These ships were filled with weapons, jewelry, and tools — a testament to the Vikings’ belief in an afterlife.
11. Stavanger Offers a Glimpse of Norway’s Viking Past & Present
Our Stavanger Old & New shore excursion explores historical contrasts — from ancient settlements to modern culture — that demonstrate how Viking heritage still shapes Norway’s identity today.
12. You Can Explore Norway’s Viking Past with the HISTORY Channel
Explore Viking history in depth with shore excursions curated in partnership with HISTORY®. From Ålesund’s Trollstigen to Leknes (Lofoten)’s Reine Village, these experiences blend expert insight with Norway’s unforgettable landscapes.
Explore Historical Landmarks in Norway with Holland America
Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or a lover of legend, Norway’s Viking heritage invites you to explore the soul of a nation shaped by sea, saga, and steel.
Set sail on a Viking-inspired journey with our featured Norwegian Viking shore excursions:
- Best of Ålesund: Romsdal & Trollstigen in Partnership with the HISTORY Channel
- Viking Experience in Gudvangen
- Medieval Church & Viking Village in Partnership with the HISTORY Channel
- Lofoten Viking Museum & Henningsvær Village in Partnership with the HISTORY Channel
- Reine Village & the Borg Viking Museum
- Vestvagøy Island & the Viking Museum
- Nordfjordeid, Sagastad & Myklebust Viking Ship
- Stavanger Old & New in Partnership with the HISTORY Channel
