In a breakthrough experiment combining archaeology and adventure, a Lund University archaeologist has rekindled centuries-old Viking maritime practices by sailing along the Norwegian coast using only technology available during the Viking Age. The research, recently published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, illuminates how the formidable Scandinavian sailors may have navigated the unpredictable waters of northern Europe, filling in critical gaps about their journeys between well-known trading centers.
For Thai readers, this story presents both a fascinating exploration into how ancient societies mastered their environments and a reminder of the enduring relevance of practical, experiential research. The Vikings—the legendary European sea raiders, traders, and settlers active from about 800 to 1050 CE—are widely celebrated for their extensive and daring seafaring expeditions. Yet, while historical records and archaeological finds have given us a clear picture of prominent Viking ports such as Bergen and Trondheim in Norway, Ribe in Denmark, and Dublin in Ireland, the details of the routes they took between these major hubs have often remained speculative. The importance of these in-between journeys can be likened to Thailand’s own intricate network of ancient river trade routes, which frequently relied on less-documented stops for safety and supplies.
Seeking to bridge this knowledge gap, the researcher embarked on a series of experimental voyages between September 2021 and July 2022, piloting seven traditional Nordic clinker boats—small, open wooden sailboats whose design has remained largely unchanged in Scandinavia for nearly two millennia. Altogether, the research team completed 15 sailing trials and two extended trips, each lasting about three weeks, covering a remarkable 1,494 nautical miles along the Norwegian coastline. These practical voyages were not without peril; at one point, a critical pole supporting the mainsail snapped 25 kilometers from shore, forcing the archaeologist and his team to improvise by tying two oars together to stabilize the vessel—a stark reminder of the challenges regularly faced by Viking crews.
A central focus of the project was to determine where Vikings would have logically sought shelter during their long journeys—what the research terms “havens.” The criteria for a Viking haven were rigorous: access to fresh water, protection from swells and prevailing winds, clear lines of sight for navigation, easy accessibility even in low visibility, and the capacity to accommodate multiple vessels. Furthermore, these harbors had to be strategically positioned in “transition zones” between open coastal waters and more protected inlets, balancing safety with the need for efficient travel.
Beyond hands-on experimentation, the researcher incorporated digital reconstructions of Viking-era sea levels and surveyed historical records pertaining to 19th and 20th-century Norwegian sail routes. This blend of physical and digital archaeology allowed the project to propose four likely haven sites along the Norwegian coast—remote, natural harbors with preliminary evidence of past human occupation. While these suggestions are not definitive proof of Viking activity, the study posits them as starting points for future archaeological investigations.
In the words of the archaeologist, “A lot of the time, we only know about the start and end points of the trade that took place during the Viking Age… My hypothesis is that this decentralized network of ports, located on small islands and peninsulas, was central to making trade efficient during the Viking Age.” This perspective challenges the academic tendency to prioritize textual and terrestrial evidence and demonstrates the value of embodied, practical knowledge in reconstructing the past.
While these findings cannot replace the need for direct archaeological evidence—such as artifacts or structural remnants—experts argue that experiential research remains critical for generating plausible scenarios that can guide future surveys. In correspondence with the publication, the scholar further clarified that the research focused on broad trade and exploration journeys, not military raids, underscoring the complexity and variety of Viking maritime activity.
For Thailand, whose own maritime traditions and archaeological mysteries abound along coastlines and islands, this study is a potent reminder of the value of blending field experimentation with historical and digital analysis. Much as in the Viking world, thriving commerce in Thailand’s past was sustained not only by major ports but also by a web of smaller stopovers and resourceful navigation.
Thailand’s coastal geography is dotted with natural harbors and sheltered inlets that may have played similar roles for ancient seafarers—offering both practical shelter and opportunities for trade. The Thai maritime experience, as seen in the movement of early traders between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, likewise depended on understanding tidal flows, weather patterns, and the availability of freshwater or food supplies. This parallel serves as a rich context for local research: Thai experimental archaeology could apply similar methodologies to reconstruct ancient voyages between Ayutthaya, Pattani, and the broader Indian Ocean world, contributing to both local heritage and the global conversation on maritime history.
The study’s “working list” of potential Viking havens is intended for flexible use, evolving alongside new archaeological discoveries or revised digital models. The approach signals a shift in archaeological thinking—inviting future researchers to put themselves “in the shoes” (or boats) of their subjects, learning through practical experience what ancient people endured and achieved.
In many respects, this experiment invites contemporary Thai archaeologists and academic institutions to adopt similar interdisciplinary and innovative methods in local research. There are significant benefits for students and the Thai public: hands-on learning not only deepens understanding but also fosters an appreciation for cultural resilience and ingenuity—qualities as relevant to Thailand’s past as to the Viking Age.
Looking ahead, continued integration of digital modeling, oral histories, and experimental voyages could revolutionize both public engagement and scholarly understanding of ancient maritime networks. For the Thai research community, partnerships with Scandinavian specialists or international maritime historians could open up comparative studies that enrich the nation’s narrative and bring fresh eyes to overlooked archaeological clues.
For Thai readers and educators inspired by this tale of scholarly adventure, the actionable lesson is clear: Intrepid, evidence-based exploration of history is both possible and valuable. Whether tracing the journeys of Vikings or the trails of ancient Thai traders, rigorous experimentation supported by new technology can bring the past to life and generate questions for the next generation of researchers to pursue.
Bangkok Post encourages curiosity-driven learning, blending traditional knowledge with experimental research, and welcomes partnerships with institutions and educators who aim to apply these lessons here in Thailand.
For readers interested in further details, the full study can be found in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, and a detailed feature is available at Gizmodo.