The Vikings
The most common definition of the Vikings is the people of Scandinavia from approximately 700 to mid 11th century. Originally, the warrior bands set out because of hunger, but soon these expeditions were motivated by a desire for loot and /Vikingeskib%2C_Ole_Akh%C3%B8j.jpg)
conquests. With the formation of states in Europe in the 11th century, the Viking Age came to an end.
As well as dramatically affecting the course of European history, the Vikings also left behind many indelible traces on the Danish landscape. To learn more about the Vikings in the Copenhagen area, you can visit:
The National Museum in Copenhagen
They have a department that focuses on this glorious period in Danish history.
The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
(35 minutes' train ride west of Copenhagen)
Here you will find five Viking ships on display and a number of ships being restored, a process the visitors can observe.
Lejre Experimental Centre
(Not far from Roskilde)
Animals, nature and fascinating prehistoric houses bring the past alive in one of Denmark's most beautiful and fabled landscapes.
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The Frederikssund Vikings
Each year in June, inhabitants of Frederikssund participate in the performance of a Viking Pageant. Nearby the festival grounds is a reconstructed Viking village with sunken houses and an impressive jetty reaching into the fjord. All reconstructions are historically correct. Further information is available via the Frederikssund Tourist Office homepage.
Viking Times - Löddeköpinge
Just across Øresund a few miles north of Malmö, an ambitious Viking project is emerging. A reconstruction of a settlement from Viking times with a stave church, landing pier for ships, and reconstructed dwellings. All meant to give you an insight into this important period in Nordic history. The official inauguration is planned for 2006.
