This historically accurate 10th century longhouse & museum is an incredible way to get an up-close feel of what it was like for those who lived in the Viking Age. Explore the unique ways that the Vikings made houses while settling in Iceland; they used thatched roofs and driftwood frames while keeping the walls together with mud and turf. Guests that visit Eiriksstadir will be able to view the over 1000-year-old ruins of what is believed to be Erik the Red’s house. Visitors will also be able to view replicas within the museum of historically accurate Viking tools, clothing & weapons. The staff working there is full of knowledge on the areas history and is excited to share their Norse stories with those who visit.
In today’s world, we sometimes don’t realize how many luxurious options we have within our living situations. Imagine living in Iceland, inside of a small house held together by turf and mud; imagine that it is also wintertime and below zero while you plan your next efforts to hunt and find food.
We find it truly incredible and inspiring that the Norse settlers were able to settle in Iceland given all the challenges for that time period.
Stay tuned and email us if you are interested in any of our upcoming journeys through Iceland, Eiriksstadir is certainly going to be one of our visits.
]]>Can you imagine spending an ice-cold winter inside of a wooden Viking house with a hole in the roof without socks? Something that is not spoken of much, is the special sowing technique Viking women used called Nalbinding (needle-binding). Nalbinding was a form of sowing that allowed the women to make socks and other warm clothes that played a vital part during winter seasons.
Not only did the women assist in households, but many of the Viking women were also trained and very capable of defending themselves.
Compared to various other cultures, the Viking women of Scandinavia enjoyed many freedoms that included the ability to request a divorce & own property.
While the men were out raiding, hunting, and farming, the women typically took care of the household and raised children. Most of the burial sites discovered by archeologists reflected traditional gender roles, men were buried with weapons & tools, women were buried with jewelry & household items.
It was very common for women to get married between ages 12-15 and those marriages were arranged by families, although the woman had a very strong say in the arrangement.
If a woman’s husband died, she would immediately adopt his full role of running the farm full time and managing his trading business. It is things like this that make the women of the Viking age so uniquely strong. Not only did they manage the household, but they were prepared to take over everything for their family at the drop of a dime. When Viking women were buried with rings of keys on them, it displayed and spoke to their role as a powerful manager of the household.
Were there female Viking warriors? Although it was not very common, there are actual findings and evidence showing women that fought alongside men. The 12th-century Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus had written that there were communities of “shieldmaidens” dressed like men who had devoted themselves to understanding battle and other skills of war, and that some 300 of these shieldmaidens held the field in the Battle of Brávellir during the mid-eighth century. In his work Gesta Danorum, Saxo wrote that there was a shieldmaiden with the name Lagertha, who fought alongside the very famous Viking Ragnar Lothbrok in a battle against the Swedes. Ragnar was so impressed that he sought and won her hand in marriage.
As we sit back and think of the role the Viking women played in history, it goes to show the strength that has been passed down generations to the modern-day women of Scandinavia. In our experiences meeting women of Scandinavia, we have seen strength, resilience, toughness, beauty, and some things you just can’t explain with words.
We appreciate all of our Shield-maidens and toast a skål!
]]>The valley lies within Iceland's Southern Highlands surrounded by breathtaking nature. It is only right to name this unique landscape "Thor's Valley" or "Valley of Thor" just by the vast power that it's presence poses alone.
Those who decide to hike Thor's Valley will find themselves immersed in multiple landscapes at the same time while being hit with Iceland's piercing fresh air.
Hikers will get up close with shrubs, birch forests, moss & thriving vegetation on their journey as well as witnessing volcanic craters.
The trails are endless with the greatest highlights being at the heart which is located by the rivers Krossá, Þröngá and Markarfljót.
Can you imagine being the first settlers on this land and witnessing the raw magnitude of Þórsmörk for the first time? It is no wonder why they call Iceland "The Land of the Gods."
The Mjölnir (Hammer of Thor) was worn by Vikings as an amulet of protection and power.
Click below to view our Thor's Mjölnir Chain
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The Vikings where incredible story tellers and mutually recognized the importance of festive gatherings for their souls and well-being. They shared stories of adventures at sea, life, epic raids and battles in foreign lands. Vikings had so much to say and talk about so there was a mutual understanding of devoting the storyteller utmost attention.
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We have now become so dependent on our mobile devices and electronics that in some cases it has transformed how we interact with those sitting next to us. How long are we listening to someone speak without looking at our phones? How good can we comprehend what they are saying while we are also observing the game that’s on television?
The Scandinavian countries do an incredible job of doing their best to keep the Viking ways of story telling and gatherings alive. We feel that people could get a much more fulfilling experience in life by limiting the use of electronics amongst company and spending more time in the moment.
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We don’t believe the Vikings get enough credit for the sheer fact they were able to handcraft a ship design years ahead of their time allowing the ship to sail in both shallow and deep waters; as well as the capability to quickly maneuver and transport people/goods. They made the tools required for crafting these ships and gathered the materials on their own throughout extreme Northern climates.
If you were to ask someone today in 2022 if they would be willing to get on a wooden ship & sail blindly for hundreds of miles across the North Sea with no technology, do you think they would? We believe that over time many people have allowed technology to play a dominating role in their lives which could make it very difficult for them to make such a major change.
Bravery was an understatement for the Vikings as they did anything they had to do to survive.
We believe it's healthy to reflect on those moments in time and appreciate the fact that this was before technology, modern clothing, knowledge of where lands were located and purely driven by the courage of Vikings. They used animal furs to stay warm at sea; they drank ale as it had its benefits of keeping the stomach full as well as dried meats & light foods they could come across.
On our next expedition through South Norway, we will be sailing on old Viking ships again to gain an even better reflection and appreciation for what they were able to do. We hope you get to experience sailing on a longship one day!
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]]>Before we had cell phones, computers, and televisions it was a vastly different world.
Most Norwegians spend a lot of time in the incredible outdoors hiking, trekking, swimming and just walking the beautiful nature. The connection between humans and pure nature is special in the way it can affect the body and mind. Nature can help in bringing a person into the present moment fully immersing them in their surroundings.
As we go into a new age of technology and ways of life the Norwegians place a high priority on spending time in nature. Although many Norwegians almost spend every day outdoors it has become a tradition to spend a Sunday getting out into the woods or going on a Søndagstur (Sunday trip).
(Viking Lifestyles Staff)
As a Norwegian myself, I have noticed the extreme undeniable benefits in which can come from a Sunday exploring the outdoors. We do not realize how much time we spend on our electronic devices until we leave them inside for a couple of hours. If there is something we can all learn from the Norwegian Sunday tradition; it is that sometimes it is healthy to take a step back from everything happening electronically and open your eyes into the present.
From a science perspective we can talk about all the technical health benefits like sunlight for the vitamin D, walking for cardiovascular improvement and so on. Mentally detaching from the "blue light" that most electronic devices give off can be refreshing and beneficial to your eyes. By getting into a healthy habit of doing this routine on a Sunday, it can vastly improve your social awareness and also have a positive effect on your relationships. This is just to name a few of the benefits as there are many more; overall it is important to recognize the power of nature just as the Vikings did before us.
What are you doing next Sunday?
]]>Sondre Norheim is actually known to be the father of modern day skiing as we know it. He is the creator of the “Telemark Ski” which was the design that led to what me know now as modern skis.
If you thought that was interesting! There is an ancient rock carving at Rødøy located in the Northern part of Norway, which shows proof that skis were used as transportation to get around as long as 4,000 years ago! The oldest preserved ski ever found is located in Finmark and is 2,300 years old.
Skiing has truly evolved over the years into sports and into ways of life; it is a powerful thing to know that it all started in good old Norway.
Norwegians are passionate about skiing and it is a beautiful way of life here in Norway as even in the summer time you can find people training their cross-country ski abilities for wintertime. Skiing is incredibly healthy for the body and there is something incomparable about being out on the mountains with your skis and pushing yourself mentally and physically.
Next time you strap on those skis… Remember… It started in Norway!
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]]>The Viking Axe
The “axe” is such a basic sounding and well-known word around the world that we typically use for cutting and chopping wood. The Vikings took what seems like a basic tool and made it one of the most feared weapons heard around the world when in the hands of a Norseman. The Vikings used strategic maneuvers with a combination of fearlessness and true Norse craftsmanship to change the way enemies looked at the axe. The Vikings were able to wipe out groups of enemies and cities using axes to completely decimate everything in their site that needed to be destroyed. Below are some of the tactics and thinking behind the Vikings using axes as well as their choice of axe.
Small Axes
The axes with short hafts have a big advantage in that they can be hidden easily. A small axe can be hidden under a cloak and used for a surprise attack on the enemy and were often held in reserve behind a shield.
Stability
Many believe that an axe was more difficult to control than a well-balanced weapon such as a sword. With a well-made axe, this is not the case. An axe also has an advantage over any other edged weapon in that the curved edge concentrates all the power of the blow into a small section of the edge. This gives the axe enough force to penetrate through mail or even a helmet.
Axe Battle Techniques
The curved shape of the head allowed for many techniques implemented by the Vikings:
The axe head can be used to hook an opponent’s ankle, thus throwing the opponent off balance and onto the ground.
It can be also hooked over another body part such as the neck, to force a person to move in a direction that they do not want to go.
The axe can also be used to hook the edge of a shield, pulling it away to press an attack, or to even disarm the opponent.
Other Ways to Use the Axe
The pointed tips at each end of a Viking axe head were very sharp and could also be used as part of an attack. The tips can also be used for a gruesome slashing attack. The tips can create nasty wounds when used for stabbing as the axe horn widens a lot more than a spear point or sword.
Axes were sometimes used to land a non-lethal blow by using the axe hammer, this is the backside of the axe head. This was done to really humiliate an opponent, or in some cases, was used against opponents considered so inferior that they are not worthy of a proper blow.
Axe Throwing
It would seem highly unlikely that axes were thrown in fights, but when desperate, a man will do whatever has to be done to succeed, so learning to throw axes was a lifesaving skill in itself.
Special Moves
Other interesting moves with axes are described in the Viking sagas. These include jumping up and hooking the head of an axe over the wall of a fortification to make it over the obstruction. Another technique would be to use an axe left-handed; this would cause the blows to come in on the undefended side of an opponent.
Next Article: To Be Continued….
Next breakdown we will be talking about how the axe was used for DEFENSE.
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]]>The Berserkers were a very special group of elite Viking warriors who went to battle without your traditional armor. Instead they would wear animal pelts, usually from bears or wolves. The word “berserker” is from the Old Norse “serkr” meaning “coat” or “shirt” and “ber” the Norse word for “bear”. They fought in such ferocity with such a trance-like fury at times they could forget who their friend or foe was
There was a theory that Berserkers would take mushrooms or hallucinogens before battle. The hallucinogens in combination with a full adrenaline rush is a perfect recipe for the aggressive trance like fury they could tap into.
Enemies would react like a deer in headlights as Berserkers were extremely tough to predict let alone know what to prepare for. It was very common for the Berserkers to wield an axe in each hand which allowed them to do a lot of damage from close range striking and mid range throwing. They may not have had the greatest defensive capabilities based on their attire and weapon selection, but you did not want to be across from them in battle because the damage and raw fury is something that is almost impossible to match. The Berserker is a warrior type that will always hold a high and unique place in history because it is hard to find a direct comparison.
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]]>Mjolnir in Battle
Mjolnir can be wielded as both an offensive and a defensive weapon. Possessing sufficient power to level mountains, it can emit blasts of mystical energy, control the electromagnetic force around an object, manipulate matter at a molecular level and generate powerful shockwaves that harness a planet’s gravitational force.
It also has the ability to generate a force field strong enough to contain an explosion so powerful that it is capable of destroying a galaxy, deflect and counter any offensive force and spontaneously destroy undead creatures like vampires.
The Hammer of Thor also possesses a variety of virtually limitless abilities including the creation of antimatter particles, tracking an individual or object, absorbing radioactive energy, detecting and projecting illusions, and can even summon the spirit of someone who swore upon it while alive.
Thor has used it for time travel and to manipulate the weather on a planetary scale, too. In some Marvel storylines, the Asgardian has used it to disguise himself in the appearance of a mortal, whereupon the Hammer projects itself as a walking cane.
The Hammer is intimately linked to Thor, and will fly back to his hands when summoned, even if it has to travel through entire planets on the way.
Can Thor’s Hammer Be Completely Destroyed?
Its celestial origins imbue the hammer with virtual, but not complete, indestructibility. However, that leaves ample room for a variety of situations where Thor has been left stunned at the damage and even the complete destruction of Mjolnir.
The most iconic of these at this point is the trailer for Thor: Ragnarok, due for release in 2017. In it, one of Thor’s archrivals, the Asgardian Goddess of Death, Hela (portrayed by Cate Blanchett) is shown destroying Mjolnir during a battle with Thor.
How, or indeed if, Thor will be able to continue battle bereft of his primary weapon remains to be seen.
In the comic world, the Hammer of Thor has been damaged and destroyed a number of times. While it has survived bullets and anti-matter, force beams from Asgardian gods and goddesses, clashes against other uru weapons like those wielded by Loki’s Storm Giant army, and attacks from other celestial beings have left Mjolnir either in pieces or completely disintegrated.
One Marvel character, Molecule Man, even vaporized Mjolnir by destroying the bonds between the uru molecules that kept the relic together.
Mjolnir in Today’s World
The fascinating original and modern myths and legends behind Mjolnir, the Hammer of Thor, make it one of the most popular objects from the ancient world with which we are familiar today.
It is commonly worn as a symbol on rings and pendants by those who aspire to the noble qualities possessed by Thor, the Norse God of Thunder.
Thank you to Mythologian.net for the bulk of this information.
]]>Geirangerfjord, Norway
Because of this tradition that has been passed down to modern day Scandinavians; Norway is an incredible place for hiking and diving into the raw power of nature. The water is clean, the cliffs are steep, the soil is rich and there is no end to where its paths may lead a wandering soul. The fjords are among some of the deepest waters in the world and make for once in a lifetime kayaking.
Don't forget about the jaw dropping cliffs! Millions of some of the bravest dare devils from around the world make Norway's fjords their vacation playground. From sky diving to wing suits the fjords are an adrenaline junkies best friend! There is no greater rush than flying through mid air completely free as a bird through epic landscapes into a relaxing parachute ending.
Check out @JasonSpurgeon in Lysebotn, Norway.
We at Viking Lifestyles make annual hiking journeys through Scandinavia and the fjords of Norway will be our first stop once again. If you are looking for endless views of sky falling waterfalls and raw nature that will leave you speechless..... Keep up with our latest journeys on Facebook & Instagram @VikingLifeStyles.
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The Norwegian fjords are one of the most unique wonders of our world. Fjords are very deep and where used tactically during the Viking age to raid, transport & trade. These unique landmarks can be found throughout the beautiful coast of Norway and run inland. The water is pure and Fjords make excellent for fishing as the currents are unique for creating traps by fisherman using the Fjord walls.
Not only are the Fjords a breathtaking site to behold but don't forget about the waterfalls and lush vegetation creating a once in a lifetime surrounding. The Norwegian Fjords are truly one of the earths greatest wonders and all Scandinavians play a key role in preserving these landmarks as long as possible. Recycling and littering are two things that are almost polar opposite from the united states in Scandinavia. Everyone in the Scandinavian countries take these two things much more seriously and the proof is in the environment. Norway along with the Scandinavia are among some of the cleanest countries in the world today.
Get out there and take advantage of the Fjords while they are at their peak!
As time goes by our climate along with overall cleanliness as a world is constantly shifting. The Fjords are a place fun packed and one of the best locations for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, relaxing & exploring. I'm not saying that they are going anywhere soon but it is always important to live in the present and live life to the fullest! We at VikingLifeStyles recommend the Norwegian Fjords and enjoy sharing pictures and experiences from our constant journeys through Scandinavia as our Vikings did before us. If you do visit the Fjords don't forget to tag us on Facebook or Instagram @VikingLifeStyles for a chance to win our official Norsk black tee.
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The Viking long ship is something not as spoken about as you imagine it should be. This powerful ship was a lethal weapon for the Vikings allowing them to navigate in both shallow & deep waters unlike their local enemies at the time. Not only where the ships able to navigate in multiple depths but it was also very light weight which was perfect for beach landings and dragging it up and down from shore. Scandinavia is filled with rocky oceans and narrow passing’s which made it a place very difficult to navigate; This also gave the Scandinavians a leg up when it came to trading goods because they were able to ship supplies much faster. The Vikings truly shocked the rest of the world as they were able to go narrower and farther than those around them at the time. These ships were the ultimate strategic pieces in any form of battle as they could be used to transport high numbers of Vikings at once or even to be tied together for creating a steady platform allowing infantry warfare.
In today's world we look at many different types of ships from canoes to yachts & cruise ships; it is important to remember who was responsible for the architecture and discovery of the Viking longship. The Vikings of Scandinavia where truly thinking ahead of their time! We will always remember as we see similar designs today!
The Vikings were one of a kind when it came to navigating the seas and strategic battle tactics for their time. Along with unique talents and supreme toughness they also brought Leif Eriksson into the world "Son of Erik the Red". Leif Eriksson actually discovered North America before Christopher Columbus on one of his quests from Greenland which had been discovered by his father. This Viking achievement was marked in time through sagas. In the modern day America we are living in today, everyone seems to think of Christopher Columbus when it comes to discovering America. As a proud Norwegian, my father in Florida actually made an official day on the calendar in Tampa for Leif Eriksson day; although this is a holiday celebrated in most places, it was a great achievement to make it official in Tampa. Everyday we continue to keep alive the viking way while showing respects to our ancestors before us. Next time somone next to you says "Happy Columbus Day"... Be sure to tell them all about the Vikings!
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As of very recently president Donald trump has made many loud remarks encouraging more people to move to the U.S that are like "Norwegians".
Lets really think about why a Norwegian should be swayed into moving to the U.S
Norway is officially ranked one of the happiest countries in the world along with being one of the richest countries per capita. Norway gives all of its citizens free healthcare along with education and has some of the best payment assistance programs in the world. From its crystal clear waters to its epic fjords Norway is also one of the cleanest places to live. Norway's government does a very good job of offering incentives to those who choose to drive electric vehicles and recycle thus assisting with environmental pollution.
I wont bore you with circle graphs and pie charts but lets just say that Norway is ranked at the top of these charts for a reason. In Norway the government works on ways to encourage its citizens to help benefit Norway as a whole.
So why is Norway one of the happiest countries in the world?
Most Norwegians include spending time in nature along with all of the other benefits listed above. There is a built in importance among the Norwegian people in spending time outdoors and enjoying nature while also doing their part in preserving it; this can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle in every day life along with a wide spread sense of unity & comradery.
Yes, We know that America is home of entertainment, Hollywood, music and the "Dream Big" lifestyle. With all of America's highlights aside, the Norwegians will always have their lifestyle that has proven strong throughout history providing some of the wealthiest, healthiest, happiest & toughest people in the world.
Trump can always hope that Norwegians will want to move into the U.S but he also has to realize and recognize what Norway is as a country itself!