The Vikings came from the three countries of Scandinavia-Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They came to Europe between 700 and 1100 AD. During this period, many Vikings left Scandinavia and travelled to other countries, such as Britain and Ireland. Some went to fight and steal treasure. Others settled down as farmers.
The Vikings travelled in medium-sized sailing ships that were large enough to sail in the open sea, but small enough to navigate through the rivers of Europe. Norwegian Vikings sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean to Iceland and Greenland. About AD 1000, Vikings sailed to North America, and started a settlement there too. Danish Vikings went to France and founded Normandy. Danish Vikings also sailed south around Spain, and into the Mediterranean Sea. Swedish Vikings roamed along rivers into Russia. Viking traders could be found as far east as Constantinople, where they met people from Africa, Arabia and Asia.
The Vikings were great sailors and traders, but they were also fierce warriors, attacking and robbing villages all around the coasts of Europe. Is it any wonder that for nearly 300 years, the Vikings sparked fear in their enemies?