12 Viking Settlements You Can Still Visit

The Vikings were seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia. Their explorations, trade, and raids marked history in the Viking Age (circa 793–1066 AD). Today, their settlement ruins show a glimpse of their adventurous, resilient life. Here are 12 fascinating Viking Age settlements you can still visit:

Jórvík (York), England

• What it was: A major Viking city and trading center in the 9th and 10th centuries, known as Jórvík by the Vikings.
• Today, you can see the Jorvik Viking Centre. It brings the settlement to life. It has interactive exhibits, reconstructed streets, and the smells of Viking Age York. You can see archaeological finds. You can learn about daily life. You can experience what it was like to walk through the city over 1,000 years ago.

Hedeby (Haithabu), Germany

• A Viking trading hub on the Jutland Peninsula, it thrived from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
• What you can see today: This UNESCO site has a museum with Viking Age artifacts. It also has reconstructed houses and workshops. You can explore the settlement’s remains, including its impressive semi-circular wall. You can also learn about Hedeby’s role in connecting Scandinavia with Europe.

L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada

• Archaeologists date it to around 1000 AD. It is the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. It proves their voyages across the Atlantic.
• Today, you can see a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has reconstructed sod houses, workshops, and a visitor center. You can learn about the Norse exploration of Vinland (North America) and the Vikings who lived there during the Viking Age.

Ribe, Denmark

• What it was: Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe, was a key Viking Age trading center from the 8th century onward.
• Today, you can see a full-scale Viking marketplace at the Ribe VikingeCenter. It has houses, workshops, and a harbor. You can interact with costumed interpreters. You can also try archery and crafts. Experience Viking Age life firsthand.

Dublin, Ireland

• What it was: Founded by Vikings in the 9th century, Dublin was a major Viking settlement and trading hub.
• What you can see today: Dublinia, an interactive museum, showcases Dublin’s Viking Age history. You can explore rebuilt houses and streets. You can learn about Viking Age warfare and shipbuilding. You can see archaeological finds from the period.

Birka, Sweden

• A Viking Age trading center from the 8th to 10th centuries, on an island in Lake Mälaren. It thrived then.
• What you can see today: Birka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the archaeological remains. Visit the museum with its Viking Age artifacts. Take guided tours to learn about the town’s history.

Rosala, Finland

• What it was: A key Viking Age trading post in the Finnish archipelago.
• Today, you can see a reconstructed Viking village at the Rosala Viking Centre. It has longhouses, workshops, and a harbor. Join in on Viking Age-themed activities. Learn about their crafts and traditions. Experience life in a Viking community.

Gudvangen, Norway

• A Viking Age settlement in a key spot in the Nærøyfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord.
• Visit the Njardarheimr Viking Village in Gudvangen. It has a rebuilt Viking Age settlement. You can interact with costumed Vikings. Learn about their daily lives. Try traditional food. Take part in activities like axe throwing.

Trelleborg, Denmark

• A well-preserved Viking ring fortress from the late 10th century. It was likely built by King Harald Bluetooth during the Viking Age.
• Today, you can explore the impressive circular ramparts and rebuilt houses. You can visit the museum to learn about the fortress and Viking Age warfare. You can also join summer events and activities.

Thingvellir, Iceland

• What it was: The site of the Althing, Iceland’s parliament, founded in 930 AD during the Viking Age. It is one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions.
• What you can see today: This UNESCO site is both historic and beautiful. You can walk through the Almannagjá gorge, where they held the Althing. It has Iceland’s Viking Age history and unique geology.

Isle of Man, United Kingdom

• What it was: The Isle of Man was a Viking Age kingdom for centuries. It left a lasting impact on the island’s culture and language.
• The island has many Viking Age sites. They include burial mounds, stone crosses, and the impressive Peel Castle. The Manx Museum in Douglas has Viking Age artifacts and exhibits. They tell of the island’s Norse heritage.

Reykholt, Iceland

• What it was: A home to Snorri Sturluson, a 13th-century historian, poet, and chieftain. He wrote the Prose Edda, a key source of Norse mythology from the Viking Age.
• Today, you can visit Snorralaug, Snorri’s ancient hot spring. You can also explore a rebuilt medieval farmhouse. It will teach you about his life and the area’s history.

Plan Your Viking Adventure

Each settlement gives a unique view of Viking Age culture and legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or curious, these spots will amaze you. They offer a glimpse into the Norse way of life. Embark on a journey through time and discover the enduring spirit of the Vikings!