The Legend

The Gokstad Viking ship, discovered in a burial mound near Sandefjord, Norway, dates back to the 9th century and was a versatile vessel ideal for navigating the open ocean. With the capacity for both sailing and rowing, the ship was most likely used for trade and raiding in foreign lands, boasting 16 oar holes on each side and a crew of 34. Limited storage was available below deck. The ship takes its name from the burial site, Gokstad, which interestingly had been known as Gokstadhaugen/Kongshaugen, stemming from Old Norse terminology for "King's Mound." 

Recovered from the Peberrenden waterway in Skuldelev, located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north of Roskilde in Denmark, the Skuldelev ships, another of Viking origins, consist of five original ships. During a four-month excavation in 1962, the sunken ships were uncovered, and the pieces retrieved represent five different types of Viking ships, all dating back to the 11th century. These vessels are believed to have been an early form of blockship, scuttled to obstruct potential sea invasions. Initially thought to be six ships, it was later discovered that "Skuldelev 2" and "Skuldelev 4" were actually parts of one ship. The Skuldelev 3, is believed to have been a cargo vessel used for transporting goods along coastal waterways.