Vikings: Explorers, Raiders, Traders.

Article introducing Vikings and Outhere the explorer. Learn more on a small group educational tour for senior couples and mature solo travelers going to Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic circle or the Orkney islands.

4 Oct 21 · 6 mins read

Explorers, Raiders, Traders

In the last decades of the 9th century, during a time when England was mostly in the hands of the notorious Norseman, the last standing stronghold against the threat from the north was the region called Wessex. Wessex covered all the south coast of England and the lower part of the Midlands and from 871-899 was ruled by King Alfred the Great. Alfred had come to power 6 years after the Great Heathen Army (a Viking army) had invaded England in 865.

Viking history has the first record of a Viking ship landing on English soil in Norfolk in 787 AD – the earliest record that could be noted as the beginning of the Viking age and the start of the Viking attacks on the British Isles – the fearless Norse raiders in a longship had returned to England’s shores in search of riches almost every summer(sans horned helmet). The Viking raiders victims being mostly monasteries and priories, keeping in mind that these locations promised wealth, as opposed to other less gold and gemstone laden targets. The focus on these raids singling out Christian populated places earned the Viking raider the label ‘heathens’ and was certainly a historical drama for its inhabitants. The Viking world and the Viking society in their homelands of Northern Europe was very different compared to the world they encountered in the Anglo-Saxon territories.

The Viking Society of Northern Europe–

Before the Norse converted to Christianity during the Middle Ages, they had their own colourful native pagan religion that was as powerfully alluring as the Nordic landscape to which it was ultimately connected. The focus of attention of that religion was what we refer to nowadays as the Norse mythology: the set of religious stories that gave meaning to the Viking world and their lives. These myths revolved around gods and goddesses with fascinating and highly complex characters, such as Odin, Thor, Freya, and Loki. The Old Norse word saga means ‘story’, ‘tale’ or ‘history’ and most of these sagas originated in Iceland but some were written in Norway or potentially in other parts of the Scandinavian countries. Norse mythology is recorded in dialects of Old Norse, a North Germanic language, spoken during the European Middle Ages.

In the beginning of the 9th century when the Viking era was in full swing, a Viking raid was an uncoordinated and unplanned attack that would usually end in the Norse being paid to return to their homeland. That changed when a large Viking warrior force – estimated to be 1,000 to 3,000 men, accounts differ widely – landed on the Isle of Thanet in Kent England with little intention of taking a payment for returning to their home shores. This Viking army didn’t come to pillage but to conquer. The Great Heathen Army was a coalition of Viking warriors who came together under a unified order to invade the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and avenge the death of the Viking Warrior, Ragnar Lothbrok. At least that is what the Icelandic saga says. Until today there are various opinions on the life, death, or last place of residence of the famous Ragnar himself as well as the colourful affairs of his sons – debated and controversially celebrated, lovingly hailed and potentially romanticised in a way that might not be suitable for a so-called bloodthirsty heathen in Norse mythology. We might never know what really occurred with the saga heroes but the marvelling continuous.

Over the following years, the Viking army spread widely throughout Anglo-Saxon England, over-turning various kingdoms and vast swathes of the country fell to the Viking warriors. Until they came up against Alfred the Great, King of Wessex who wasn’t prepared to give up the centre stage of ruling his small but precious kingdom. The war between the English Christians and the Norse pagans raged on until in approximately 880 a treaty was signed that ended the ongoing battles and established the boundaries between Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian territories.

Ohthere: the Viking trader from Vinland

A particular figure that appears to be worth mentioning in the narratives of King Alfred’s life was Ohthere. He was an honoured guest from Norwegian lands coming from the Viking society, who regaled the court with stories of his voyages. Those took him through Vinland which is along the coast of Norway, the very top of Scandinavia via the Arctic Ocean, as far south as Hedeby at the base of the modern-day peninsula of Denmark, deep into the Baltic sea as far as the mouth of the Vistula and crossing the White Sea heading towards the north-west corner of modern-day Russia.

He was a wealthy Viking trader from Halogaland which is located close to the borders between Norway and Finnmark. The lack of barbaric warfare in his intentions made him the odd one out amongst his kin who would rather swing axes than bear gifts in the Viking age. Ohthere was a Viking trader and not a Viking raider. He was determined to meet the King to present his Artic wares such as walrus ivory, snow-white furs and rough-hairy hides. According to his own account and that of Icelandic sagas, Ohthere lived “furthest north of all the Northmen” and had travelled further than most men had ventured even amongst his own. In his homeland, he occupied the borderlands, with the wild wastelands of Finnmark on his doorstep, to his own advantage, close to the Saami. Within Norse society he was a man of many connections and knew the tribes that belonged to his territory well. One could say that he had it all figured out and so he directed his attention away from the political dramas of his country, overly ambitious king(s) and problematic factors of that very society towards a life beyond these limitations.

From a present-day point of view, the far-northern landscapes that Ohthere illustrated so memorably for King Alfred and his court over a millennium ago have not changed much. From Tromsø via the northern coastline of Norway all the way to the border of Russia. The horizon is dominated by mighty mountains, the coast indented by uncountable fjords that leave one dreaming of cold clear waters in summer and frozen, seemingly lifeless, darkness in winter. About half of the county is above the tree line, and large parts of the other half is covered with small Downy birch.

An endless barren wasteland that holds many secrets if one is prepared to look. Some valleys are hardly ever touched by the sun and the forest is merely a picture of black spindly branches that will withstand the next deep winter because they have already passed over into a different realm.

Staying on the road that Ohthere took centuries ago little has changed since the Viking era. The sight of reindeer might disperse the view of the empty looking wilderness that leads to Finnmark’s small coastal towns – Hammerfest, Honningsvåg, Vadsø, Vardø or Kirkenes. The spirit of Ohthere and the Viking history lives on in the form of trade, transport of natural recourses to other parts of the world and industries that are specialised in these supplies and connections. Some of Norway‘s largest sea bird colonies can be seen on the northern coast. The highest point is located on the top of the glacier Øksfjordjøkelen, which has an area of 45 square kilometres. Both Øksfjordjøkelen and the Seiland Glacier are located in the western part of Finnmark.

Further up north, where there is nowhere to go, the Nordkapp looms over the endless ocean and stands tall to defend its place as the northernmost point of Europe. That might not be entirely true according to sources that argue whether the northernmost point of Europe can be an island or not, whether it can only be located on the mainland or where Europe really ends (hello Asia!). Whether it is the northernmost point of Europe or not, it is and has been ever since the creation of its impenetrable rock, a vital navigation aid to Ohthere in his longship and any other sailor generations after his expedition(s) finished.

Viking longship sailing on a calm sea at sunset, 3d digitally rendered illustration

Viking history Small group tours from Odyssey Traveller

For a traveller interested in a Viking history small group tour who would like to experience the wonders of the fascinating Viking history and the lively Viking heritage then Odyssey has a collection of small group tours for the senior couple or mature single to join. For example the Arctic circle tour has a starting or finishing here will be one of the highlights of a Northern Europe expedition. Well, besides marvelling at the Northern Lights, experiencing the Nordkapp Viking Festival, visiting a Viking settlement or restored Viking village, a majestic fjord or go on a history tour and learn about Viking culture in museums in Stockholm, Oslo or Reykjavik. Or join the Iceland tour for the Icelandic sagas.

Related Tours

Secret France small group tour

25 days

May, Sep

Secret France | Small group tours France | Places of cultural interest for seniors

Visiting France

Our small group tour designed with the mature traveller in mind, gives you the chance to see eight different locations over 25 days while experiencing local culture, trying regional cuisine, exploring breathtaking architecture and admiring beautiful scenery. From Zurich the tour will move south towards Sare before returning north to Paris where the tour finishes, for a significant part of our journey we will be following old pilgrim pathways, taking the group deep into the villages, valleys, shrines and ski resorts.

From A$15,650 AUD

View Tour
View from Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

15 days

Dec

Discover Rome | Cultural and History Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Rome is arguably the most fascinating city in Italy, the capital city, once the centre of a vast, ancient empire and still today a cultural focus within Europe. Explore the city in-depth as part of a small group program spending 14 days exploring, just Rome and Roman History.

From A$7,995 AUD

View Tour
Habsburg Spain Tudor England

21 days

May, Aug

Habsburg Spain vs Tudor England: small group tour exploring the history of 16th century England and Spain

Visiting England

This holiday with a leading tour operator allows the escorted tour for seniors to explore the life and times of the royal families responsible for making England and Spain so significant in the 16th century with local guides providing the travel experience for the detailed itineraries. We spend 10 days travelling from London to Madrid.

From A$12,995 AUD

View Tour
Normandy and Brittany escorted history Tours

22 days

May, Aug

Normandy and Brittany escorted history tours for small mature grups

Visiting France

This small group tour for couples and solo travellers is centred on the North West corner of France: Normandy, where the peaceful landscape belies a turbulent past; Brittany, where a strongly separate Celtic culture is still evident; Poitou, famous for its rich farmlands and historic ports; and the Loire Valley, replete with royal châteaux.

From A$14,450 AUD

View Tour
Villages of Italy, Volterra, Tuscany Italy

26 days

Aug

Villages of Italy | small group tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Explore Italy in a small group tour. Italy is the most Mediterranean of nations and as mature and aged as many of its red wines. In terms of being a nation, it is even younger than New Zealand. This is often hard to believe, bearing in mind that Italy gave rise to Europe’s first global empire, which endured for approximately 2,000 years, the Romans. The new constantly brushes with the old and in doing so generates sparks that makes any sojourn in Italy a deeply textured experience.

From A$15,250 AUD

View Tour
Venice, Italy

27 days

Dec

European Cities Small Group History and Cultural Winter Tour

Visiting Albania, Croatia

An escorted tour A Journey that commences in Rome and takes in 12 destinations along its journey to Athens. This is an off season small group journey with like minded people. A small group tour across Southern Europe with local guides sharing authentic in-country authentic experiences for mature couples and solo travellers.

From A$14,995 AUD

View Tour
Scandinavian Designs Small Group Tour; Denmark, Sweden and Finland

21 days

Sep

Scandinavian Design Small Group Tour: Denmark, Sweden and Finland

Visiting Denmark, Finland

Denmark, Sweden and Finland realised that the only way to remain competitive on the world stage was through the value of superior design. Travelling with like-minded people on our small group tour you will explore the cities and towns where those high quality products, appreciated around the world, are created including hygge.

From A$14,450 AUD

View Tour
tours of scotland

22 days

Jul, Sep

Scotland small group tour | Tracing 5,000 years of history

Visiting Scotland

This guided tour of Scotland with a tour leader and local guides includes the isle of Skye, Orkney islands, the Scottish highlands with breathtaking scenery. Edinburgh including the royal mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Fort William, Urquhart castle, Stirling castle, loch lomond, Hadrians wall and New Lanark also a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$13,995 AUD

View Tour
Western Europe Treasures and gardens small group tour Kinderdijk

26 days

Apr

Western Europe Chateaux and Gardens | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Belgium, France

This small group escorted educational tour combines visits to France, Belgium, Luxemborg, the Netherlands, and Germany. During the 26 days, we will discover a selection of the finest gardens and chateaux in Europe. Our destinations also include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for example the royal palaces built by the Prince-Bishop of Cologne in Brühl, Germany.

From A$13,250 AUD

View Tour
Whitby Abbey walking britain

22 days

Jun, Sep

Rural Britain | Walking Small Group Tour

Visiting England

A walking tour into England, Scotland and Wales provides small group journeys with breathtaking scenery to destinations such as Snowdonia national park , the UNESCO world heritage site Hadrians wall and the lake district. each day tour provides authentic experiences often off the beaten path from our local guides.

From A$13,750 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour

19 days

Jun, Sep

Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain

Visiting Portugal, Spain

Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James, crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal, as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.

From A$12,850 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Edinburgh Fringe Festival small group for Mature travellers

9 days

Aug

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Small Group Tour

Visiting Scotland

One of the few European tour companies to have in Scotland an escorted small group tour of Edinburgh during the fringe festival. As well attending performances, this trip includes time to experience, the old town, new town and the royal mile, a UNESCO world heritage site plus Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From A$5,950 AUD

View Tour

Related Articles

Sami culture within the Vikings

Sami culture within the Vikings

Article about the Sami culture of the Arctic circle for small group educational tours for senior couples and mature single travellers interested in learning about the Vikings and their journeys into the Atlantic and south across Russia.

30 Sep 21 · 8 mins read
Read Article
The Viking's Woollen Sails

The Viking's Woollen Sails

Vikings and Their Use of Wool for Sails This educational article aims to help senior travellers immerse in the world of vikings before they take part in a memorable travel experience across Scandinavia. It helps…

15 Mar 19 · 7 mins read
Read Article
Viking Longship

The Vikings

Vikings explored, pillaged, settled and traded their way in 300 years across the North Atlantic in the Longships to Iceland and Greenland or south through Europe/Russia to Istanbul and Persia. Learn more on a small group educational tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers interested in Viking history.

4 Oct 21 · 23 mins read
Read Article
Vik Iceland travel

Questions About Iceland for Senior Travellers

Escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to Iceland Designed for couples and solo travellers who like to explore and enjoy learning as they travel the Golden circle, including the Blue Lagoon, Skaftafell National park, Reykjavik and beyond.

14 Nov 19 · 3 mins read
Read Article
Northern Lights

The Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is the most northernly major circle of latitude, at approximately 66°30′ N. It marks the area within which, for one or more days each year, the Sun does not set (June 21) or rise (December 21), and the length of continuous day or night increases northward.

22 Mar 20 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Tromso at night

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway Tromsø is the largest city of Northern Norway and one of the most popular destination in the country to watch the Northern Lights for a memorable holiday. Tromsø lies 350 km north of…

19 Mar 20 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Photographing the Northern lights

Photographing the Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide

Photographing the Northern Lights. How to Capture the Beauty of the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis, commonly called the Northern Lights, as well as the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, are two the world’s most…

1 Jan 20 · 7 mins read
Read Article

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$350 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles