The Vikings were Norse people who used to roam the seas, vandalise and rob wherever they went. They were feared by everyone who knew about them, and actually discovered America before it was cool, so take that, Columbus. They spoke Old Norse language, that now developed into Scandinavian languages, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic and Faroese and from which many English words originate.
Modern day Copenhagen is a delightful nexus, where the past and the present intertwine with an ease that would make even the most seasoned time-traveller envious. And it of course boasts an array of Viking attractions capable of whisking you back to the days when these notorious Norsemen ruled the roost.
First up on the Viking tour de force is the National Museum of Denmark, a veritable treasure trove of artifacts that whispers the sagas of yore with a reverence that could turn even the most disinterested teenager into an avid history buff. And then, imagine donning a helmet (minus the historically inaccurate horns, of course) and setting sail in a Viking warship replica at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, just a stone’s throw away from Copenhagen. There, you'll learn the craft of sea navigation without the use of modern technology - yes, a skill that might just come in handy in the unlikely event of your smartphone's GPS giving up the ghost.
Rounding off the Viking-themed escapades is a stroll through the Ladby Ship Grave, a burial site that boasts an actual Viking ship grave, promising an immersive experience into the funeral practices of these fierce warriors. The only thing missing is a horned helmet on your head and a mead in your hand, but who’s to say that can’t be arranged?
Modern day Copenhagen is a delightful nexus, where the past and the present intertwine with an ease that would make even the most seasoned time-traveller envious. And it of course boasts an array of Viking attractions capable of whisking you back to the days when these notorious Norsemen ruled the roost.
First up on the Viking tour de force is the National Museum of Denmark, a veritable treasure trove of artifacts that whispers the sagas of yore with a reverence that could turn even the most disinterested teenager into an avid history buff. And then, imagine donning a helmet (minus the historically inaccurate horns, of course) and setting sail in a Viking warship replica at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, just a stone’s throw away from Copenhagen. There, you'll learn the craft of sea navigation without the use of modern technology - yes, a skill that might just come in handy in the unlikely event of your smartphone's GPS giving up the ghost.
Rounding off the Viking-themed escapades is a stroll through the Ladby Ship Grave, a burial site that boasts an actual Viking ship grave, promising an immersive experience into the funeral practices of these fierce warriors. The only thing missing is a horned helmet on your head and a mead in your hand, but who’s to say that can’t be arranged?
