Traditional travel to a foreign country is often about heading to the most popular cities, eating the most extraordinary food, and seeking out hidden gems and local haunts. However, travel can be about history, too. Perhaps, just this once, forget sun-kissed beaches and bustling metropolises. Today, we embark on a voyage for the bold, a path etched not just on maps. This path is etched in the very soul of history: The Path of the Vikings.
This is no ordinary vacation. This is a pilgrimage into the heart of myth and legend, where every fjord whispers tales of daring raids and epic sagas. We’ll stand atop windswept cliffs where gods once walked and gaze upon burial mounds that guard secrets millennia old. Let’s delve into ancient villages still thrumming with the spirit of the North.
Carving Your Path With Key Cities and Itineraries
We’ve prepared a list of key cities in two special countries that breathed life into the Viking legend. Waste no time in setting out on your journey to one of the most iconic periods in human history.
Oslo: Power and Prophecy
Oslo, once known as Viken, meaning “bay,” served as the seat of power for the Ynglinga dynasty. This lineage boasts legendary Viking kings like Harald Fairhair, who unified Norway in the 9th century. The imposing Akershus Fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the Oslofjord, stands as a testament to this era. Within its walls, Viking sagas were recited, and strategic decisions were made that shaped the course of Norwegian history. The nearby Viking Ship Museum houses the majestic Oseberg and Gokstad ships. These intricately carved wooden vessels once carried Viking warriors and explorers across the vast expanse of the sea. These ships were not merely tools of transportation; they were symbols of Viking prowess, daring, and connection to the gods.
Day 1-2: Oslo, Norway
Start your journey in Oslo, the capital of Norway, and explore well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts. Visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History to see exhibits related to Viking daily life.
Stavanger: Crossroads of Trade and Raiders
Sailing south, we reach Stavanger, a city nestled amidst dramatic fjords and cradled by the North Sea. Founded in the 10th century, it quickly became a thriving center of trade and commerce, attracting merchants from across Europe. The nearby burial mounds, containing the remains of wealthy Viking chiefs and their prized possessions, speak volumes about Stavanger’s prosperity. But this city was not just about trade; it was also a hotbed of Viking raiding activity. From Stavanger’s shores, ships laden with warriors embarked on audacious expeditions, reaching the shores of England, Ireland, and beyond.
Day 3-4: Stavanger, Norway
Head southwest to Stavanger, where you can visit the Stavanger Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from the Viking Age.
Hike to the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for breathtaking views of the Norwegian fjords.
Bergen: Home of the Sagas and Gateway to the West
Further north lies Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 11th century by King Olaf Kyrre, Bergen was the cultural hub of Viking Norway. Here, skalds, the revered poets and storytellers, spun tales of Viking exploits and myths that echoed through the halls of wooden houses and resonated across the fjord. These sagas, preserved in manuscripts like the Morkinskinna, not only provide invaluable historical insights. They also offer a glimpse into the Viking worldview, their values, and their fears. Bergen was also a key port for expeditions westward, with ships venturing to Iceland, Greenland, and even the shores of North America.
Day 5-6: Bergen, Norway
Travel to Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and visit the Hanseatic Wharf, a historic trading area with ties to the Viking Age.
Explore the Bryggen Wharf, known for its colorful wooden buildings, and the Maritime Museum with Viking ship replicas.
Reykjavik: From Saga to Settlement
Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, boasts a history intricately woven with Viking threads. In 874 AD, Ingólfur Arnarson, a Norwegian chieftain fleeing political turmoil, set foot on the geothermal sands of what would become Reykjavik. Driven by the spirit of exploration and a thirst for new lands, he established the first permanent settlement in Iceland. This marked the beginning of a thriving Viking community. The Sagas, epic Icelandic texts, immortalize these early settlers, detailing their voyages, conflicts, and triumphs. Walking through the streets of Reykjavik, one can almost hear the whispers of these tales, echoing from the weathered stones of the Hallgrímskirkja church and the ancient harbor where Viking longships once bobbed on the waves.
Day 7-8: Reykjavik, Iceland
Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, and visit the National Museum of Iceland to see Viking artifacts. Take a Golden Circle tour to witness the stunning Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal wonders of Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
Akureyri: Gateway to the North
Further north, nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and shimmering fjords, lies Akureyri, the “Capital of the North.” Founded in the 10th century, this charming city quickly became a crucial link in Iceland’s Viking trade network. Its sheltered harbor and fertile lands attracted skilled craftsmen and daring merchants. This was then transformed into a bustling center of commerce and cultural exchange. Viking sagas like Egils Saga detail the lives of these inhabitants, revealing a society steeped in storytelling, poetry, and a deep connection to the unforgiving beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Akureyri’s vibrant arts scene and annual Viking Festival keep these traditions alive. These showcase the enduring influence of the past on the city’s identity.
Day 9-10: Akureyri, Iceland
Head north to Akureyri, known for its beautiful landscapes. Explore the Akureyri Museum, which houses exhibits on local history, including Viking settlements.
Relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths and enjoy the surrounding geothermal wonders.
The Schengen Connection
Norway and Iceland, although not members of the European Union (EU), are both integral participants in the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. This allows for the free movement of people within the area. This cooperation facilitates seamless travel and promotes economic and cultural integration among member states.
Norway, situated in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, has opted to remain outside the EU but is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Schengen Agreement. Norway’s decision to join the Schengen Area underscores its commitment to fostering close ties with its European neighbors while retaining a degree of sovereignty.
Iceland, an island nation in the North Atlantic, shares a similar status. Despite not being an EU member, Iceland participates in the Schengen Area. This clearly reflects its dedication to regional collaboration and the principles of the Schengen Agreement.
The Schengen cooperation, established in 1985 through the Schengen Agreement, initially included five EU member states. However, over the years, it expanded to encompass both EU and non-EU countries. The Schengen Area has become a symbol of European integration. It has had a profound impact on the ease of travel and cross-border activities.
For Norway and Iceland, being part of the Schengen Area means that travelers can move freely between these countries and other Schengen member states without undergoing border checks. This has significant implications for tourism, business, and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness across national borders.
While Norway and Iceland benefit from the advantages of Schengen cooperation, they maintain distinct political and economic identities outside the EU. Their participation in the Schengen Area exemplifies the flexibility and adaptability of European collaboration, allowing countries with diverse geopolitical aspirations to engage in shared initiatives for the benefit of their citizens.
Conclusion: Adventure Begins with ETIAS
The spirit of the Vikings stirs within you, urging you to retrace their footsteps across the rugged landscapes and storied settlements of Scandinavia. But before you raise your horn and shout a mighty Skål!, there’s one crucial step to ensure your Nordic odyssey unfolds smoothly: the ETIAS.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS for short, is a visa waiver program for non-EU citizens planning short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area, which includes Sweden, Norway, and many other European countries. Think of it as your Viking passport to unlocking a treasure trove of Nordic experiences.
Why is ETIAS important for your Viking adventure?
Obtaining an ETIAS authorization online is a simple and streamlined process compared to applying for traditional visas. It’s a swift and cost-effective way to ensure you meet the entry requirements for the Schengen Area before you embark on your journey. With ETIAS pre-approved, you can avoid potential travel hiccups at the border and focus on savoring the saga-soaked landscapes and captivating cultures that await.
How to apply for ETIAS
The ETIAS application process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Just gather some basic information about yourself and your travel plans, answer a few security questions, and pay a processing fee. Once approved, your ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years, allowing you multiple Viking-worthy escapades to the Nordic lands.
With ETIAS as your digital compass, you’re now free to embark on the Viking adventure of a lifetime. Explore ancient burial mounds, conquer snow-capped peaks, and delve into the mysteries of runestones whispered by the wind. Savor the freshest seafood plucked from icy waters, feast on hearty stews simmered over crackling fires, and lose yourself in the vibrant melodies of traditional folk music. Norway and Iceland shall welcome you with open arms.