Infopanel 17

Navigation

Despite successful Atlantic crossings to Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and even Newfoundland, the Vikings primarily navigated terrestrially, i.e., by familiar landmarks on the coasts. This is easily explained by the fact that it was possible to sail along the coasts of both Scandinavia and Western Europe, which meant that ships rarely lost sight of land.

The most essential part of Viking navigation skills was the experience passed down from generation to generation over centuries, which made it possible to navigate to the right mouth of the Rhine as well as to certain Scottish islands. The decisive factor was therefore the helmsman's ability to assess both the course and speed of the ship in relation to the wind and waves, as well as to recognize coastal areas with which he had to be familiar even in distant countries.