THE VIKING AGE - fascinating period in Finland`s prehistory

In European history the Viking period is normally dated around 700-1050, when the Nordic peoples explored or raided large part of the Europe and even reached the Middle East and the North America. In Finland this period is also called the Viking Age, because our Scandinavian neighbours left so many marks on Finnish late Iron Age culture.

The Vikings came from Sweden, Norway and Denmark. On their journeys to east, they sailed into the Gulf of Finland and up to the River Neva into Russia. The Finns did not actually participate in these expeditions, although some may have joined the Swedish on their journeys.

Vikings in Finland

On their trading route to east, the Vikings usually followed the coastline of the Finland, but some of them visited Finland`s inland areas too. Their ships were able to sail in shallow waters and the Vikings moved easily along the waterways. Sometimes they used an old inland route, The Ox Road, which was the most significant road in early Finnish history.

Finland`s ancient hillforts dates back to the prehistoric times, and many of them are still visible in our landscape. Finnish tribes equipped these hillforts and they were defence and escape places for the inhabitants of the area. The Finns also used the custom of lighting fires on high rocks to warn the people against the attacks of the Vikings or competing tribes.

Finland`s largest hillfort lies in Rapola, in Valkeakoski. There are also many other archaeological sites in this area, for example Iron Age settlements, offering stones and cemeteries. Rapola ridge area is one of the most important cultural landscapes in Finland.

Important findings

In the Viking age the Finns benefited by the growing contacts around the Baltic Sea. Finland`s most important export was furs, and important imports included salt, swords and luxury items. There are many evidences of Finland`s trade with the Vikings, for example rich findings of silver coins from the Arab world, imported weapons and women`s jewellery. In restless times valuable things and treasures were often buried under the ground. Many of these treasures have later been found by accident.

Luistari area in Eura is one of the most significant places in Finland`s prehistory. It is our largest excavated burial ground and the excavations have revealed much information about the Viking period and Finland`s international connections. A wealthy Iron Age community lived in this area between 600-1100 AD. Some women of the community wore Arabian coins as necklaces and archaeologist have also found magnificent swords from the land of the Francs and different kind of beads from Asia and Mediterranean. Today there is also a famous information centre in Eura, where the visitors can learn more about our prehistory and the Viking age.

Swedish Vikings in Åland

The Vikings were not only warriors, but also traders, settlers and farmers. They are known for their assimilation in the cultures along their trading routes, and it is possible that some of them settled at Finland`s shores, learned the language and married Finns. Today we know, that the Swedish Vikings visited and settled the Åland Islands. Archaeologists have found gravesites, harbours, remains of workshops and house foundations from this period.

During the Viking Age Åland was organized into stable community system. The archipelago offered many sheltered natural harbours for the merchants, and Åland became involved in transit trade. Today these islands are autonomous part of Finland, but culturally they are still Swedish.

Written by Piia Hyvärinen

Behind the Viking Myth

European history is filled with tales about the Scandinavian Vikings. It is often thought that the Finns were Vikings too, but this is not quite true. The Finns did not actually participate the Viking expeditions, although it is possible that some people from Åland Islands or Southern Finland may have joined the Swedish Vikings, when they travelled to Russia.

THE VIKING AGE - fascinating period in Finland`s prehistory

Vikings in Finland

Important findings

Swedish Vikings in Åland

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