FORUM train&sail

On the tracks of the Viking (2): Kopenhagen - Oslo

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

Let yourself be enchanted by the Vikings and the Eye of the Wind ...

Come on board of the “Eye of the Wind” and travel back in time to one of the most fascinating eras of world history - the Viking 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 segment we will also discover Kopenhagen, Göteborg, Larvik, Sandefjord and Oslo.

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.

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 era can also be found there such as weapons, jewellery, coins, rune stones and clothing.

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.

In the area where Göteborg is located today there has been a real occupation during the Stone Age in today’s part of the city which is called Sanna. There are even pre-historic stone engravings.

A visit to the city museum pays out as well. Besides to many interesting information about the city’s history you can also see a Viking boat found in 1933 (the original format has not been rebuilt since this is the only boat to have runic inscription on it); all around there are smaller exhibitions about Vikings.

Today Göteborg is the second largest city in Sweden after Stockholm. It is known for its lively and multifaceted café house culture. Lean back and enjoy a good cup of coffee together with one of the legendary Canelbuller (special Swedisch cinnamon roll).

About 25km north of Göteborg used to be Kungahälla, a little bit further down the stream today’s Kungälv. It used to play an important role during the Viking’s time and got destroyed numerous times. The last Slavic attack was in 1135 which the defensive fortification on the monastery hill did not survive. 7000 prisoners were made and sold as slaves.

The region in the west of the Oslo-Fjord used to be an important center of power to the Vikings. Many findings from the Viking’s time were found here.

From Sandefjord we are planning a day trip to the most famous places of this area like the famous burial ground close to Oseberg and Gokstadhaugen. Here two Viking boats were being discovered in a burial mound and after being restored brought to the Viking Shipping Museum in Oslo.

You will also get to see the first Norwegian village from the Viking time on the island Kaupang.

The journey will go on to Larvik where Thor Heyerdahl was born as well as Colin Archer who is known as the builder of the unique polar ship Fram. The shipping museum points out details from their lives and achievements.

The region around Sandefjord is also known for its great tradition in building ships: the famous Endurance, Shackleton’s ship was built here.

At the end of the day we will enjoy a dinner in the Hotel Atlantic’s restaurant in Sandfjord.

The hotel was built in 1914 and ever since played an important role in Sandefjord’s history. Especially during the golden years of whaling when Sandefjord established itself as the important center of whaling. In the whole building you will find pictures, documents and glass cabinets showing whaling’s history and its meaning for the city.

The Norwegian capital Oslo does not only have a special flair but also many distinguished museums like the Viking Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Fram Museum, the National Gallery, the Norwegian Open-air Museum and the Munch Museum. In the city center lies the impressive city hall in which every year the Nobel Peace Prize is being awarded.

All in all it is an impressive city with many fascinating sights. Come into the Viking’s world and visit the Viking Museum (Vikingskiphuset). There you will find the best preserved Viking boats in the world. Those ships are from the 9^th century and were found in three large chief’s graves where they were used as grave furniture for their last journey. You will also be able to see other grave goods like smaller boats, carriages, tools, bridles, textiles and home appliances.

Are you interested in the history of the polar expedition? Then you should visit the Fram Museum (Polar Ship Museum). The Fram was used for the three most famous polar expeditions by Fridtjof Nansen (1893–1896), Otto Sverdrup (1898–1902) and Roald Amundsen (1910–1912). The Fram was built in 1892 and is being displayed in original well preserved equipment and furnishing. Around the ship there are many interesting exhibitions on polar history as well as a polar historical collection.

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).