July 7, 2025

Viking Travel Guide: Must-Visit Norse Historical Sites

For those captivated by Norse mythology, epic sagas, and the spirit of the Viking age, nothing compares to walking in the footsteps of real-life raiders, traders, and kings. Across Northern Europe, the legacy of the Vikings lives on in ancient ruins, reconstructed longhouses, ship museums, and ceremonial burial grounds.

At Axesnhorns, we believe that Viking culture isn’t just something you wear or read about—it’s something you can experience. Here’s your ultimate travel guide to the must-visit Norse historical sites every Viking enthusiast should explore.

  1. The Viking Ship Museum – Oslo, Norway

Start your journey in Norway, the heart of Viking heritage. The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo houses some of the best-preserved Viking ships ever discovered, including the famous Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune ships. These awe-inspiring vessels were used for both voyages and burial rituals, giving visitors a rare look into Viking craftsmanship and funerary customs. Alongside the ships, you’ll find artifacts such as tools, textiles, and even the remains of those buried within the ships.

  1. Jorvik Viking Centre – York, England

York (once known as Jorvik) was one of the most important Viking settlements in England. The Jorvik Viking Centre is built directly over the excavation site of the ancient city and offers a fully immersive experience. You’ll ride through a lifelike Viking village complete with authentic sounds and smells, and explore artifacts uncovered during one of the most significant urban digs in Europe. It’s an unmissable stop for history buffs and families alike.

  1. Ribe Viking Center – Ribe, Denmark

Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town and was a vital Viking trading port. Today, the Ribe Viking Center recreates 9th and 10th-century life with stunning detail. You can watch blacksmiths at work, try archery, or even join Viking reenactors in daily activities. It’s not just a museum—it’s a living, breathing village that lets you step directly into Viking times.

  1. L’Anse aux Meadows – Newfoundland, Canada

If you’re feeling adventurous, journey across the Atlantic to L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Norse site in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site proves that the Vikings reached the New World around 1,000 AD—five centuries before Columbus. The site includes reconstructed longhouses and exhibits exploring Viking exploration and early transatlantic travel.

  1. Uppsala and Birka – Sweden

Uppsala, once a spiritual and political center of the Norse world, is home to ancient burial mounds and sacred grounds believed to be linked to the worship of Odin and Thor. Not far away, the island of Birka was one of the earliest urban settlements in Sweden, bustling with traders and craftsmen. The Birka Museum and reconstructed village offer a glimpse into daily life in a thriving Viking marketplace.

Whether you seek battlefields, burial grounds, or bustling trade towns, these Viking historical sites bring the legends to life. And when you return from your journey, Axesnhorns has the authentic gear, jewelry, and keepsakes to help you carry a piece of Viking history with you.