The History of Viking Longships
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Anyone who’s visited one of our stores in Wisconsin, had one of our mouthwatering treats delivered to their door, or even picked up our Kringle from Trader Joe’s will recognize our logo. It comprises our name, the Danish flag, and a Viking longship with a pretzel-shaped kringle on its sail. In Denmark, the presence of the knotted pretzel kringle icon on a sign is a clear indication of a bakery, and as a family-owned business, we take pride in honoring this tradition as part of our Danish heritage. That’s logical, considering our reputation for Danish Kringle. But what’s so special about a longboat?
In European history, Viking longships had a significant cultural impact, positioning Danish sailors as pivotal figures in shaping the continent’s narrative. Understanding this heritage aids in comprehending the development of European exploration and trade. Enthralled by our adventures, we have created the Explorer’s Series Kringle. Dive into a medley of flavors inspired by the global expeditions of our ancestors, with each one reflecting the essence of diverse traditions and cuisines. Drawing from our wanderlust, we proudly introduce a selection of beloved favorites with a uniquely Danish twist. Read on to get the answers to what a Viking longship is, where it comes from, and what made it critical to the success of Norseman exploration.
What Is a Viking Longship?
The longship was characterized by a long and narrow design, lightweight yet able to accommodate up to 60 rowers. The boats were typically around 65 feet long, with others slightly smaller at about 50 feet. All were open-topped, similar to rowboats. The shallow draft was perfect for speed and navigating seas, rivers, and even inland areas.
In addition, the clinker-built (overlapping plank) construction made the boats strong and flexible to withstand rough seas, with a single mast and square sail, ideal for rowing and sailing. Uniquely, longship prows were adorned with dragon heads – religious and culturally symbolic and intimidating.
Viking Longships in Viking History
Vikings, the famed warriors from the North, and their idiosyncratic Viking ships are legendary in history. Norsemen invented longboats for raiding, trading, warfare, and exploration. The boat’s design proved robust, mobile, and adaptable, influencing worldwide shipbuilding approaches for hundreds of years.
The Viking Age: When Longships Ruled the Seas
The period from 793–1066 CE is known as the Viking Age. Norsemen from Scandinavia conducted extensive raiding, conquests, colonization, and trading across Europe, the Mediterranean, Greenland, Iceland, and North America. Their success was, in no small part, thanks to their versatile, watertight, and durable longships.
The Role of Longships in Viking Society
The longship played a vital role in establishing Norse lands, culture, and society, becoming synonymous with the Viking Age. It is a symbol of nations such as Denmark, renowned for its celebrated naval history.
Not having visited one of our stores means missing out on the full O&H experience. When you step into any of our locations, you’re immediately immersed in a rich cultural ambiance through our decor and atmosphere. In our Washington Avenue store, we showcase a checkout counter shaped like a longboat, while at our Petro Racine location, a longship adorns the exterior and can be admired when exiting southbound on I94.
Design and Construction of Viking Ships
The Vikings constructed their longboats using available materials and traditional Norse shipbuilding techniques.
Materials
Boats were made from wood, usually oak, with planks held together by iron nails and rivets. Various caulking materials, such as tarred animal hair or moss, were packed between the planks to make the Viking ships watertight. They coated the exterior of the hull with pitch or tar.
The Design
Viking longships had shallow drafts but high, narrow sides, enabling them to sail anywhere. Their symmetrical design enabled them to reverse without having to turn around, which was particularly useful when navigating treacherous icy waters.
The Construction Process
The construction method required overlapping planks fastened together, warranting skill and precision. Shipbuilders dedicated significant time to shaping the wood, aligning and attaching the planks correctly, and securing the seams. Crafting Viking longships was a labor-intensive and skilled process due to the unique clinker-built construction and carved wooden prow. It also took strength and proficiency with adzes, axes, and augers, the only tools available.
Types of Viking Longships
Beyond the basics, not all longboats were the same, with variations created for different purposes.
The Drakkar: The Most Feared
The name “Drakkar” may originate from the Old Norse words “kar” and “dreki,” meaning “ship” and “dragon.” These warships were so named for having a dragon’s or snake’s head at the bow. This was done for two reasons, it signified the status of the boat’s owner and it was believed that the dragon would protect them against evil spirits during sea travels.
The Knarr: The Cargo Ship
The Knarr was a Norse merchant ship specifically built to transport goods for trade. Due to the overlapping planks being situated only at the front and back of the ship, the cargo was placed in the middle. Compared to the usual longship design, the Knarr was shorter, deeper, and wider to accommodate cargo but resulted in a slower speed.
The Snekkja: Fast and Agile
The most common of the longships was the Snekkja, the smallest among them, measuring around 56 feet (17 meters) in length, with a draft of less than 2 feet. Its compact size made it easier to build and enabled convenient beaching or overland transport without requiring a port.
The Enduring Influence of Viking Longships
Viking Ship Coffee
The most famous Viking Ship is the Gokstad and is on display at the Oslo Viking Ship Museum. At O&H Danish Bakery we have crafted a dark roast coffee that is roasted locally by hand and delivered fresh to all our locations and named it after this incredible ship. We offer two options for those who want the quick fix: we have our Gokstad Ground Coffee Packets available, and for those who want the true artisanal experience of freshly ground coffee we have our whole bean Gokstad Coffee.
Longships in Daily Life
Beyond the Viking ship’s substantial and enduring influence on naval architecture, the history of Viking ships and their depiction in popular culture have long captured our imagination. Be on the lookout for longships while watching Thor Love & Thunder, The Northmen or How to Train Your Dragon. From regular portrayals in novels, comic books, films, and long-running TV series to thrilling video games, Vikings and longboats almost feel contemporary and familiar.
Like the longship, another iconic thing from Scandinavia is the Kringle and travels just as well! With a wide range of flavors at O&H Danish Bakery there is a kringle flavor for everyone. So for a Viking-worthy celebration with an authentic taste of Denmark, visit one of our stores or place your online order for Kringles or other Danish pastry treats today. Skål!
