top of page

Viking Travel: Where, Why, How? - Handy Information for Key Stage 2 Students

Updated: Mar 26


A wooden boat floats on a calm fjord surrounded by towering green and rocky cliffs under a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene atmosphere.

Where:


Vikings were expert sailors and navigators and, thanks to their advanced ships, they were able to travel to many distant lands.


Vikings travelled to places as varied as Britain, Russia, and Iran. Astonishingly Vikings even made it all the way to Greenland and North America.


Wooden Viking-style longhouse on grassy field, overcast sky. Building has weathered texture, surrounded by sparse trees. Serene setting.

Why:

Vikings travelled to raid and gather riches and slaves. Lindisfarne Monastery, York and even Paris fell victim to Vikings going "Vikinging".


Vikings also travelled to trade, this is why Viking artefacts can be found in countries all over the world.


Finally Vikings travelled to conquer and settle.


It is believed that farming conditions in Scandinavia did not provide enough food to support the population, forcing them to spread further afield.


Viking ship with red and white striped sail on blue water, set against a light blue sky, evokes a sense of adventure and exploration.

How:


Vikings would travel on vessels called Longships (or Dragon Boats). Find out more about Longships here.



bottom of page