Viking Age Navigation - An Overview

The way in which a ship was rigged is fundamental to understanding a mariner in his element, yet no one knows for certain how a Norse ship was truly rigged.  Tantalizing clues can be found in the archeological finds, the sagas, and on inscribed stones.  But even this basic facet of Norse sailing is somewhat controversial.

Thus it should come as no surprise that no definitive understanding of Norse navigation exists.  Which does not mean that it is a complete mystery - only that we do not fully understand the depth of knowledge and techniques employed by the Norse sailors a millennium and more ago.

Some concrete details have emerged from the mists of time.  Others can be speculated upon or deduced from circumstantial and/or anecdotal evidence.  These are detailed on the following pages:

The Sun Shadow Board

 

Viking Age navigators carried few instruments, but this simple device could tell the knowing mariner much about where he was.

 

Other Navigational Aids

Little concrete factual evidence has been preserved over the many centuries since Norse ships sailed.  Some details have emerged via the saga records or through archeological finds.  Learn more about them here.

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Last modified: October 18, 2003