Running in the footsteps of the Vikings : from the Scandinavian fjords to the gates of Constantinople
- audreyubertino
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Daring seafarers, traders, explorers and conquerors, the Vikings sailed the seas for several centuries, linking territories that were once thought to be separate. Far from being confined to the Nordic regions, their expeditions took them from the coasts of Europe to the North Atlantic, via the rivers of Russia, the shores of the Mediterranean and even the gates of the Byzantine Empire. With JOOKS, set off on a journey in the footsteps of these great medieval explorers and discover eight cities that tell the story of their incredible sea routes and adventures across the four corners of the known world.
Oslo (Norway) – At the heart of the Viking seafarers’ world
Our journey begins in Scandinavia, in the lands that gave birth to the first great Viking seafarers. Before setting out to conquer the seas, they developed their seafaring skills and social organisation here.
Situated at the head of a spectacular fjord, Oslo offers visitors the chance to delve into the origins of Viking culture. The region has yielded some of the most famous Viking ships ever discovered, such as the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which bear witness to the Scandinavians’ extraordinary mastery of navigation. Today, the Norwegian capital blends modern architecture, maritime heritage and natural landscapes. With JOOKS, set off to explore a city where Viking history remains deeply intertwined with the sea.
Copenhagen (Denmark) – The realm of the great Viking chieftains
After Norway, our journey takes us to Denmark, another major power in the Viking world, whose rulers extended their influence far beyond the borders of Scandinavia.
During the Viking Age, Denmark occupied a strategic position at the heart of the North Sea and Baltic Sea trade routes. The Copenhagen region, with its focus on maritime trade, is an integral part of this history of seafaring and commerce. As you explore the Danish capital with JOOKS, discover a city where the Viking past blends with a deeply maritime identity. With its museums, historic harbours and archaeological remains, Copenhagen serves as a reminder of just how great a trading and building people the Vikings were.
Dublin (Ireland) – When the Vikings founded a new town
Viking ships then left Scandinavian waters to reach the British Isles, where some crews were no longer content merely to raid: they settled there and established proper urban centres.
Founded in the 9th century by the Vikings under the name Dyflin, Dublin is one of the most iconic examples of this enduring settlement. Originally a simple fortified trading post on the banks of the River Liffey, the city quickly became a major hub for trade between the Nordic world and Ireland. Today, several sites bear witness to this history, particularly around Wood Quay and Christchurch. With JOOKS, discover a modern capital whose origins date back to the great seafarers from the North.
Rouen (France) – The Birth of Viking Normandy
As they continued their expansion into western Europe, the Vikings travelled up the rivers, which served as natural highways enabling them to penetrate deep into the interior. This is how they reached the Seine valley.
In 911, the Viking chieftain Rollo was granted the Norman territory under the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte and made Rouen the capital of this new duchy. Far from being mere invaders, the Vikings gradually integrated into the region and gave rise to a new identity: that of the Normans. As you explore Rouen with JOOKS, discover a medieval city where Viking history meets that of the Dukes of Normandy, amongst ancient alleyways and iconic monuments.
Nantes (France) – The Vikings on the roads of the Loire
Having explored the coasts and major rivers of northern Europe, the Vikings continued their expeditions southwards, using waterways to reach new territories.
In 843, a Viking fleet attacked Nantes and gradually established itself in the Loire estuary, which became a strategic base for their raids into western France. Thanks to their fast and manoeuvrable ships, they were able to sail up the rivers and strike deep into the interior. Today, Nantes retains a strong maritime identity, shaped by its relationship with the river. With JOOKS, set off to discover a city where the history of the great travellers from the North meets that of a port open to the world.
Seville (Spain) – The Vikings at the gateway to the Mediterranean world
But the Vikings’ ambitions did not stop at the kingdoms of northern Europe. Some crews continued their journey southwards, as far as the shores of the Iberian Peninsula.
In 844, a Viking fleet sailed up the Guadalquivir and attacked Seville, then one of the major cities of Al-Andalus. This spectacular episode demonstrates just how far these seafarers could travel, capable of crossing both the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Today, you can picture their arrival by following the banks of the river that led them right into the heart of the city. With JOOKS, rediscover Seville from an unexpected angle, exploring Andalusian heritage alongside memories of expeditions from the North.
Istanbul (Turkey) – The Vikings in the service of the Byzantine Empire
The journey takes us even further east, to Constantinople, one of the most powerful cities of the medieval world, where some Vikings come in search of fortune and glory.
Known as Miklagard (‘the Great City’) in the Norse sagas, Constantinople attracted many Varangian warriors from Scandinavia. Some joined the famous Varangian Guard, an elite unit tasked with protecting the Byzantine emperor. Today, Istanbul still retains remarkable traces of this Nordic presence, notably runic inscriptions carved by these travellers from afar. With JOOKS, explore a city where the Viking and Byzantine worlds met.
Reykjavik (Iceland) – At the edge of the known world
Having sailed the seas of Europe and reached the great cities of the south, our journey comes to an end in a land that, more than any other, symbolises the Vikings’ spirit of exploration: Iceland.
At the end of the 9th century, the explorer Ingólfr Arnarson settled in the bay that would become Reykjavík, marking the beginning of the island’s permanent settlement. Set amongst volcanoes, fjords and wild landscapes, Iceland bears witness to the courage of those men and women who chose to push back the boundaries of the known world. Today, the Icelandic capital offers a stunning blend of spectacular natural beauty and historical heritage. With JOOKS, round off this journey in the footsteps of the Vikings in a city where adventure still seems to lie just beyond every horizon.
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