Norway, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the Vikings. From the fjords to the mountains, the land is steeped in the legacy of these legendary seafarers and warriors.
Glamping, or luxury camping, provides an immersive way to experience Norway’s Viking history while enjoying modern comforts and amenities. Join us on this page on a journey through the Land of the Vikings, as we uncover Norway’s captivating past and discover how glamping can connect you with this ancient civilization.
The Viking Age in Norway
The Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th to the late 11th century, was a period of great significance in Norwegian history. During this time these skilled seafarers and fearless explorers left an indelible mark on the country’s culture and landscape.
From their longships they traversed the seas with to the intricate carvings and artefacts they left behind, the Vikings shaped Norway’s identity and influenced the course of European history. They may not have worn horns on their helmets until they were discovered by Hollywood, but they did bring their distinct culture to much of Europe and make Scandinavia in general a major part of the developed world.
Glamping in Norway offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating era and gain a deeper understanding of the Viking way of life. By so doing you discover the roots of your own, and understand why the habitat of the Vikings remains so attractive today.
Viking Sites and Attractions
Norway is home to numerous Viking sites and attractions which offer a glimpse into their era and provide a tangible connection to this early modern civilization. Some notable ones include:
Hedmark County Museum and Cathedral Ruins in Hamar
Located in the heart of Hamar, the Hedmark County Museum is home to a fascinating collection of Viking artefacts and exhibitions which shed light on the region’s rich history. The museum is built on the ruins of a 12th-century cathedral, which adds to its unique atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience which transports you back to the Viking Age. The museum also houses the Vang Stone, a rare Viking Age runestone which provides insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the time.
Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg
Situated in the Lofoten Islands, the Lofotr Viking Museum is built on the site of a Viking chieftain’s longhouse discovered in the 1980s. The longhouse has been reconstructed as it was, to recreate the world its original inhabitants knew.
The museum offers a hands-on experience of Viking life, with authentic artefacts and interactive exhibits. It also maintains a harbour where a Viking ship is docked, and can be sailed in during the summer if the weather is amenable.
Stiklestad National Culture Centre
Located in the heart of Trøndelag, Stiklestad is the site of the famous Battle of Stiklestad, where King Olaf II Haraldsson, later known as Saint Olaf, was killed in 1030. One of the highlights of the centre is an exhibition about the battle, complete with dioramas of the event and a soundtrack reenactment.
The Stiklestad National Culture Centre offers a variety of exhibits and events which bring the Viking era to life, including traditional crafts demonstrations and storytelling sessions. The grounds include over 30 historical buildings, which continue the story of the world the Vikings created.
Glamping and Viking Experiences
Glamping in Norway provides a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s Viking heritage while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. Many glamping sites, such as those offered by WonderInn, are located in close proximity to Viking attractions and offer immersive experiences which enable you to step back in time.
Imagine staying in a luxurious tent or cabin, surrounded by the same landscapes the Vikings once called home, participating in activities that bring their history to life. You’ll never look at the history books the same way again when you’ve been there, doing as they did.
Some glamping sites offer Viking-themed experiences, such as:
- Traditional Norse Cooking: Learn to prepare authentic Viking dishes using ingredients and techniques common during the Viking Age. From hearty stews to rustic bread, you’ll get a taste of the flavours which sustained the Vikings on their long sea journeys.
- Viking Crafts and Skills: You can participate in workshops which teach traditional Viking crafts, such as weaving, woodcarving, and metalworking. These hands-on experiences provide a deeper understanding of the Vikings’ daily life and the skills they valued.
- Storytelling and Mythology: Gather around the campfire and listen to captivating stories from Norse mythology, as told by skilled storytellers. Learn about the gods, heroes and legends which shaped the Vikings’ worldview and continue to captivate audiences today.
- Viking-Inspired Outdoor Activities: Engage in outdoor activities which the Vikings would have enjoyed, such as archery, axe throwing and hiking. These help you connect with the landscape and imagine the challenges and adventures the Vikings faced in their daily lives, which produced solutions which continue to shape culture wherever the Vikings went..
Conclusion
Glamping in the Land of the Vikings offers a unique and immersive way to uncover Norway’s rich history and connect with the legacy of this fascinating civilization. From visiting Viking sites and museums to participating in authentic experiences and activities, glamping allows you to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the Viking way of life.
As you explore the fjords, mountains, and valleys the Vikings once called home you’ll develop a newfound appreciation for their skills, resilience and enduring influence on Norway’s culture and identity. You will also discover the roots of your own identity, wherever you are from, as the Vikings settled in much of Europe, and also famously in North America, and from there exported practices such as knitting, preserving fish and combing your hair to other parts of the world in due time.
It is time to pack your bags, embrace your inner Viking, and embark on an unforgettable glamping adventure in the Land of the Vikings. If you can read English, you are part of Viking culture, so are well equipped to appreciate other parts.
