IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS PDF

More than 1,000 years ago, the Vikings crossed the North Sea and landed on the British Isles. It was the attack of the monastery on Lindisfarne in 793 A.D. that received the dubious honour of initiating the so-called Viking Age.

  • Date 12 May 2017
  • Duration9 days
  • Starting From € 5 338.00
  • Ship NameMS Spitsbergen
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VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

The Fared and Fabled Norsemen

Although the Vikings are often thought of as barbaric raiders, they were also accomplished explorers and settlers. According to Viking tradition, only the eldest son in the family was entitled to inherit his father’s land, so any younger brothers had to find their own land to farm. On the west coast of Norway, where the Vikings originally lived, the population was becoming too dense, so expeditions were sent out with the aim of colonising new land. Even though colonisation may have been the main aim, the Vikings still raided and pillaged settlements along the coasts of the British Isles for centuries.

The Viking Heritage

The Vikings colonised a lot of land and their heritage is still evident today. We have handpicked some of the most interesting sites to visit as we journey through the history of the Vikings. We will follow the Vikings’ route, from Bergen in Norway to the beautiful Shetland and Orkney Islands, both of which are rich in Viking history. We then sail on to Tórshavn, Eiði and Mykines in the Faroe Islands, before continuing further north to the “Kingdom of the Vikings" – Iceland!


Departs From
Bergen

Day 1

The journey begins

Location: Bergen

Our journey starts in Bergen, a town founded in 1070 by Viking King Olav Kyrre. He called the city Bjørgvin, meaning 'meadow between the mountains'. Departing from Bergen, we will follow the same route that the Vikings once sailed when they went to explore or plunder.

Explore

Location: Værlandet/Bulandet

Located to the northwest of Bergen, Værlandet/Bulandet and Atløy/Nærvik form the westernmost archipelago of Norway. Enjoy visits to the most interesting sites in this area.

Day 2

Day 3

Explore

Location: Lerwick

Lerwick is the main port in the Shetland Islands. In and around the town, you will find some of Shetland's most attractive scenery and an extraordinary concentration of archaeological sites, including two remarkable Iron Age villages and Europe's best-preserved broch, a drystone dwelling dating from this period.

Explore

Location: Kirkwall

The capital of the Orkneys, Kirkwall, is the largest town in the Islands, and is dominated by the famous St. Magnus Cathedral. The first mention of a settlement is in a saga from 1046 and the name Kirkwall derives from Norse Kirkjuvagr (Church Bay).

Day 4

Day 5

Explore

Location: Tórshavn

The Faroe Islands are a group of islands in the middle of the North Atlantic. The capital city, Tórshavn, is one of the smallest in the world, with only 15,000 inhabitants. The city was founded in the 10th century and might very well be the oldest capital in northern Europe. The Vikings established their parliament here on the Tinganes Peninsula in 850 A.D., and Tórshavn has remained the capital of the Faroe Islands ever since.

Explore

Location: Eiði

During the 9th century A.D., the Vikings settled in Eiði. A visit here will provide a chance to hear exciting Viking stories and discover more about Viking history. It is also a great place to enjoy a hike led by our Expedition Team.

Day 6

Day 7

Explore

Location: Mykines

A thousand years ago, the Vikings who lived in Mykines would climb over the ridge to visit their neighbouring community for occasions such as christenings, weddings and funerals. This was hiking the way it used to be – no trampled path, no paving stones and no handrail. Join us for a landing here if you enjoy hiking and take the opportunity to see the island's puffin colonies.

Explore

Location: At sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Take in the views from on deck or participate in our lectures as we sail towards Iceland.

Day 8

Day 9

Explore

Location: Surtsey/Heimaey

The Vestmannaeyjarm or Westman Islands, are a group of 15 spectacular islands and about 30 rock pillars, located off Iceland’s south coast. The islands are named after the Gaelic slaves who were captured by Norsemen. The Old Norse word 'vestmenn' literally means men from the west. Even though we now know that there are countries further west than Iceland, the name has stuck. We will visit Surtsey, one of volcanic islands here, and the fishing port of Heimaey.

Explore

Location: Reykjavik

Reykjavik was the first Viking settlement in Iceland. Today, Iceland's capital offers a lot to tempt the curiosity of its visitors. Relatively close to Reykjavik, you'll find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Within the city itself, you'll find a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the city early in the morning, and it is here that our voyage comes to an end.

Day 10

Location
Reykjavik

Pricing Info

Price includes
  • Cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
  • Wind and water resistant jacket
  • Landings and activities onboard and ashore
  • Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanying landings and activities
  • Free tea and coffee
Price does not include
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Luggage Handling
  • Optional excursions and gratueties
Note
  • Prices are in EUR (€) per person
  • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions

Please note

Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before departure date. The applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking. Prices are in Euro per person.
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