FORUM train&sail

On the tracks of the Vikings (1): Vejle - Kopenhagen

*) Reaching those destinations depends upon weather and other sailing conditions

Let the Vikings and the "Eye of the Wind" enchant you ...

Come on board of the “Eye of the Wind” and travel back in time to one of the most fascinating time during our tour through Denmark, Sweden and Norway which can also be booked in parts. We would like to follow on the tracks of the Vikings and at the same time learn something about their fascinating culture as well as experience impressive navigational achievements by those Nordic navigators. Let them surprise you!

One of the most fascinating eras of world history is the Viking time. All of a sudden with the attack against the island monastery Lindisfarne in 793 the Vikings appear in Europe’s visual field where they often caused fear and terror over the following three centuries. Thanks to their far developed ship building and their own daringness they threatened the powerful European empire. This is how the negative picture of the feared Northman developed which described the reality of a multifaceted appearance of the sea warriors from the north.

The Vikings were not only pirates greedy for prey and depredators that plundered rich cities, emporiums and monasteries. They were at the same time capable farmers who tilled their land, ably merchants who found new trade channels and markets but also state founders that settled in the Normandy and on Sicily and last but not least discoverers who on their tours advanced across the North-Atlantic to Greenland and North America.

In this part of the journey we will travel to Vejle, Samsø und Kopenhagen.

The historical town Vejle’s landmark is a windmill that is placed on a hill at the city border. From there you have a great view on the river valley, the fjord and the city. The oldest building in the city is the city church Sanct Nicolai that accommodates a bog woman that has been executed in 490 b.Chr.

The bridge Vejlefjordbro that is located in the east of the city and leads across the fjord is one of the largest and highest in Denmark.

In the small Jelling there are Europe’s most important monuments from the Vikings. Two huge burial mounds and the two rune stones build by King Gorm the older and Harald Blauzahn in the 10th century as well as the Jelling Church symbolizing the transition from Paganism to Christianity. One of the rune stones is famous for the oldest engraving that was found in Denmark.

On the island Samsø that has a central position between Århusbucht and the great belt you can find clear tracks of the first well known water constructions in Denmark. At this narrow part of the island a long channel has been built that connects Stavnsfjord to the Mårup bay. The channel was 500m long, 11m broad and about 1.25m deep. Therefore it was possible for ships to travel on it. The city is called Kanhave which simply means: „The spot where ships where pulled over to the other side“. The channel made it possible to quickly transport the fleet from one side to the other.

Between 1960 and 1995 altogether four archeological excavations took place. They showed that the sides of the channel were supported by oak boards to avoid mud slides. Dendrochronological examinations of those oak boards showed that the channel was built in 726 or at least those boards were built in during that time.

If it has been the Danish king who let the channel built or a local monarch cannot be told. It is also not sure for how long this facility has been used but since there exists a “Snekke”-name close by it is possible that it has been used up until the 12th century as part of the marine defense system of the country. For sure you can say that the Kanhavekanal is an impressive souvenir of the Vikings in Denmark.

When you start at the ferry harbor Sælvig and follow the coast along to the north you will reach the Kanhavekanal after about 7.5km. The former channel marks a clear jag between the trees on both sides up until the east sea.

The national museum in Kopenhagen does not only offer plates but also background information on the Vikings. Some of the most precious findings from this epoch can also be found there such as weapons, jewellery, coins, rune stones and clothing.

Kopenhagen’s landmark is the 1.25m high „Little Mermaid“ in memory of the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen whose fairy tales still fascinate young and old. Fairy tale feeling also comes up when seeing the castle Charlottenborg with its brown brick facade which today is used for an art gallery and welcomes many visitors every day.

From Kopenhagen it is only about 30km to Roskilde. In the former Danish capital you need to pay a visit to the Viking-Shiping-Museum. There are five real Viking boats that were found in the fjord not far from the museum. An interesting film is being showed about the ship’s recovery. There are also copies in the original size in front of the museum.

Come on board and experience the fascinating history and culture of the sea warriors from the north.

Meals and accommodations are included in the price. Not included are arrival, land tours and alcoholic beverages. Accommodation occurs as customary in 2-Person-Cabins. If you wish there will be the chance to get a Single cabin for an extra charge (please request beforehand).