The Vikings continue to interest us today, despite the fact that they no longer roam Scandinavia or the rest of the world. What was their daily experience like, then? These historical details concerning their grooming and hygiene practices as well as their numerous rituals provide an intriguing window into life during the Viking era.
40+ Amazing Facts About What Hygiene Was Like For The Vikings
Bathing Every Sunday
We have a tendency to believe that everyone in the Middle Ages was filthy and uninformed about cleanliness. That may be the case for some, but not for the Vikings. It was all about bathing for these strong businessmen and fearsome warriors. So much so that taking a bath on Saturdays was a significant custom. Both literary records and archeological artifacts provide enough historical proof that the Vikings practiced several daily hygiene rituals. We’ll elaborate on what those in this list meant.
Bathing Every Sunday
They really cared about their hair
Vikings were quite proud of their hair, which they possessed in plenty. The preferred cut was a reverse mullet, meaning it was longer in the front and shorter at the rear. The Vikings literally combed and brushed their hair every day to keep it looking nice. The majority of people who lived in what is now Europe, such as the Anglo-Saxons, historians believe, did not worry as much about looks as the Vikings did.
They Really Cared About Their Hair
Changing clothes frequently
Clothing from the Viking age was made of wool and linen, and like Scandinavians today, both men and women were interested in fashion. That does not imply that there were as many clothing alternatives as there are now. However, Vikings routinely cleaned their clothing in rivers and streams and frequently changed their attire. Additionally, they had extra-nice attire for festive and wedding events. Cynically, some claim that the Vikings were conceited. They may have exaggerated, but they did care about how they looked.
Changing Clothes Frequently
Nicely Trimmed Facial Hair
Vikings are frequently shown with thick, wild beards in works of art, motion pictures, and television. However, historians contend that this is not a true representation. On the other hand, the majority of Vikings kept their facial hair well-clipped. To make sure they always looked presentable, they utilized combs, razors, and even tweezers (yep, these things existed in the Norse age!). The association between facial hair and masculinity was a factor, which will be discussed in more detail shortly.
Nicely Trimmed Facial Hair
Saunas Were Super Popular
Since Scandinavia experiences extreme cold for most of the year, it is certainly not surprising that saunas were popular in this region of the world throughout the Middle Ages. The local sauna was a favorite place for Vikings to go, and it played a significant role in both their social and cleanliness practices. It served as a place to unwind, catch up on the hottest rumors, and perhaps make new connections.
Saunas Were Super Popular
Toilets Were More Common Than You’d Think
Although we frequently assume that toilets are a contemporary innovation, archaeologists have discovered evidence of toilet use in a number of pre-modern societies. One of them is the Norse. Of course, the Vikings didn’t have toilets in their dwellings the way we have now. But the latrines were shared, much as in saunas and bathhouses. They probably weren’t nearly as horrible as they seemed since these communal latrines had ditches underground that moved the waste away from the living spaces.
Toilets Were More Common Than You’d Think
They Sometimes Dyed Their Hair
For the most part, when we think of Vikings or Scandinavians, we picture extremely tall, blonde individuals with blue eyes. Even yet, they were not all blonde in those days, despite the fact that current Scandinavians may trace a portion of their heritage to the Vikings. Contrary to popular belief, Vikings came in a wide variety of looks, however blonde was preferred. As a result, Vikings with darker hair and beard occasionally used lye to bleach it blonde. Not something a contemporary hairstylist would advise. But because it also assisted in killing lice, it was a fad that aided in enhancing cleanliness and reducing lice infestations in public places.
They Sometimes Dyed Their Hair
Combs Were A Staple Accessory
Even though we’ve just discussed how much Vikings valued their hair and beards, you still might be surprised by this fact. Vikings were so concerned that they always brought their own combs with them. These combs, which were frequently used to remove dirt, insects, and filth from hair and beard, were typically made from animal bone. Although we may believe that we go to great lengths to maintain our appearances nowadays, very few men still carry combs in their wallets as the Vikings did!
Combs Were A Staple Accessory
They Reportedly Share Wash Basins
The quality of ancient baths was not up to modern standards, even though Vikings loved bathing more regularly than other Middle Ages people. At community bathhouses, the same water would be used repeatedly. As repulsive as this may sound to us now, it’s critical to remember that science did not yet exist. People simply didn’t understand how unclean polluted water is. It was commonplace for many men to share a single bowl of water to wash their grimy faces and beards with or to take a bath in used bath water.
They Reportedly Share Wash Basins
They Got Buried With Their Grooming Tools
See this statistic, which once more demonstrates how preoccupied the Vikings were with personal cleanliness and beauty. Vikings were frequently interred with their weapons and other personal items, as you might guess. Some of those personal goods, however, were really grooming supplies! At former Viking burial grounds, combs, razors, ear picks, and tweezers have all been discovered. Many of them were meticulously adorned, indicating that they were high-value prestige goods. According to historians, they were frequently carried around in boxes (similar to jewelry boxes) or worn around the neck.
They Got Buried With Their Grooming Tools
The Vikings Filed Grove Into Their Teeth
Researchers and historians are still having trouble understanding this. However, as can be seen in this image, archaeologists have often found teeth that have been purposefully filed down when examining the bones at Viking burial sites. It was obviously carried out by a qualified specialist, which indicates that it was done frequently. There are a few widely accepted theories on why this was done. One is that the Vikings used it to make themselves seem more menacing to their adversaries. The other view asserts that the grooves were a sign of success. Therefore, the more grooved teeth a Viking had, the more successful a warrior he was.
The Vikings Filed Grove Into Their Teeth
Causing Someone To Get Dirty Was Seen As Offensive
Not only did Vikings value cleanliness, but they valued it so highly that it was seen to be highly disrespectful to make a fellow Viking unclean. To do this, you may literally smear someone with mud, chop off their hair, shred their clothes, shove them into a puddle of water, etc. Such behavior was punishable by outlawry (with the exception of enemies, of course). Anyone who purposefully “disgraced” someone by making them unclean should always receive the worst punishment, according to the medieval Icelandic legal text Grágás.
Causing Someone To Get Dirty Was Seen As Offensive
The Length Of Your Beard Was An Indicator Of Masculinity
The Vikings valued manhood and maturity, which is one of the reasons historians think it was vital to have a long, neatly groomed beard. Simply simply, Vikings believed that men with a full, thick beard were more manly and mature. Vikings who couldn’t grow a beard were reviled and humiliated in a number of medieval literature. Without a doubt, this also affected their standing in their peer group. The fact that each community had a professional and well-respected comb maker is further indication that having a good beard was significant in the social order.
The Length Of Your Beard Was An Indicator Of Masculinity
Magic Was Believed To Heal Injuries
Indeed, magic was a belief held by the Vikings. Certainly, magic as it was known and used during the Norse age. Vikings thought a little magic and sacrifices may hasten the healing process if they were hurt in battle. There are several instances of begging the elves to assist in healing a buddy while reading written chronicles from this time. A bull or other valuable animal may be sacrificed and left on the hill where it was thought the elves dwelt in the hopes that they would accept the offering and assist.
Magic Was Believed To Heal Injuries
Lack of facial hair meant a lack of competence
Lack Of Facial Hair Meant A Lack Of Competence
Women too wore their hair long
According to literary evidence, the more hair, the better; this ideal of beauty was also applied to Viking women’s hair. In addition to growing their hair long, women were careful to take excellent care of it. But this was more than just the standard; it was required by law. The medieval code of law Grágás again serves as evidence for this. It indicates unequivocally that women were not allowed to have short hair. This was true for Viking women warriors known as Valkyries as well as spouses and mothers.
Women Too Wore Their Hair Long
Did they have tattoos?
Both historians and archaeologists continue to strongly disagree on this. However, there is some evidence that at least some Vikings may have had tattoos. When discussing their experiences with Vikings in writings written by medieval businessmen from various regions of the world, some recall seeing their skin covered with “dark-green lines and patterns”.
However, we can’t be certain that these were permanent tattoos; they may have just been painted on as part of a ceremony or to frighten others.
Did they have tattoos?
Hot and cold water amenities existed
Yes, the Vikings were intelligent enough to figure out how to have hot and cold water taps, just like us, and they also liked taking baths. Regarding the Vikings from Iceland, we at least have one certainty. Due to its location on two divergent tectonic plates, which results in a lot of geothermal activity, which warms up subsurface water, Iceland has a lot of natural hot springs. There is archeological proof of outdoor baths like the ones in the image, where individuals could regulate the temperature of the bathing water using water pipelines that went from distinct hot and cold springs.
Hot And Cold Water Amenities Existed
Hair washing and cutting was women’s job
It’s unknown why precisely if wives were the only ones who performed this service for their husbands, or if it was more of a hairstylist service. However, we are aware that it was a big honor. In some literary stories, women make the commitment that they will be the only ones to wash and trim a certain man’s hair for the rest of their lives.
Hair Washing And Cutting Was Women’s Job
Meat protein helped them grow tall
In terms of food, Vikings really fared better than many people in the Middle Ages. To begin with, they regularly consumed meat (even the poorer Vikings). Many people think the Vikings’ significantly greater height than other peoples was due to their diet’s high protein content.
Despite not being as tall as current Scandinavians, they were nonetheless taller than the majority of people in the globe at the time. They consumed a variety of meats, including goat, elk, and even horse and reindeer. Additionally, the Vikings consumed fruits and vegetables, which probably contributed to their tall and healthy stature.
Meat Protein Helped Them Grow Tall
Women had quite a lot of power
Overall, it is reasonable to state that women did not enjoy quite as many rights in medieval times as they do in contemporary cultures. But compared to many others, Viking women had a far better life. According to research, they also visited other nations, played a significant role in establishing new towns, and served practically as ambassadors with neighboring societies.
They also possessed a number of significant privileges, including the ability to obtain a divorce (and receive their dowries back if they followed through with it) and the right to own property. Even though weddings were prearranged, women had a voice and had the power to reject a suitor if they truly didn’t want to wed him.
Women Had Quite A Lot Of Power
Living with the livestock and the pets
Vikings inhabited big, strong, windowless longhouses like the one in the photo. They had straw roofs and were made of wood. To heat and cook, a large fire was built in the center.
These longhouses would accommodate entire extended families in one large rectangular chamber (which offered little privacy), and as there were no windows, the air within was likely filled with smoke, filth, and other unpleasant odors. All the farm animals and pets would also be jammed in there during the chilly winter. Both people and animals needed to do this to remain warm, but it was probably not enjoyable.
Living With The Livestock And The Pets
The Anglo-Saxons took advantage of the Vikings’ love of bathing
Being so sanitary may have been beneficial for health, but it wasn’t ideal for combat. The foes of the Vikings quickly learned that these hardy men also enjoyed taking baths. Therefore, the Anglo-Saxons made the decision to profit.
They had discovered that the Vikings who had invaded their England often took lengthy baths. As a result, they would hold off on attacking until they were wet. They were largely vulnerable since they lacked clothing and arms.
The Anglo Saxons Took Advantage Of The Vikings’ Love Of Bathing
Those horned helmets were not a thing
You hardly ever see a Viking in a painting or a film without one of those enormous, horned helmets. However, historians concur that wearing them is highly implausible for historical Vikings. They would have been extremely inefficient for this war-hardy tribe and would have given them an advantage in close-quarters fighting. So, from where did they originate?
Well, most likely it’s due to Carl Emil Doepler, a 19th-century costume designer. He created the costumes for operas with a Norse theme. He invented the horned helmets, maybe influenced by the garb worn by Germanic priests during rituals, and for some reason, they stayed.
Those Horned Helmets Were Not A Thing
They sold ‘unicorn’ horns
The idea that Vikings were essentially aggressive, cruel pirates is considerably overdone. While they performed their fair share of pillaging, their primary roles were as dealers and astute businesspeople. They traversed the world, sourced Middle Eastern silk and spices, and then traded them for exotic goods like unicorn horns. Yes, Vikings purposefully stole narwhal tusks and passed them off as unicorn horns. There were plenty of wealthy, eager purchasers to con since unicorns were thought to be real, magical animals.
They Sold ‘unicorn’ Horns
Some became elite bodyguards
Some Became Elite Bodyguards
They probably settled in America before Columbus
As we’ve already said, Vikings sailed far and wide, plundering and trading their way around the globe. They probably arrived in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus, and this is backed by evidence. Since 2010, several Viking sites have been found using satellite images, one of which being L’Anse aux Meadows in Canada. One of particular significance was uncovered in Newfoundland, where excavations turned up an iron hearth and grass walls. Both are powerful proof of Viking activity.
They Probably Settled In America Before Columbus
Vikings ate with spoons and knives
Another example of how Vikings were not as primitive as many people think or as they are represented in movies is the fact that they used spoons and knives to eat rather than forks at the time. Knives appear to have been made of metal, although dining bowls and spoons were often made of wood. They were simultaneously utilized for eating, fighting, and hunting, among other things. Spoons and knives were also kept close by, worn on a chain around the neck, or connected to belts, exactly like the grooming implements.
Vikings Ate With Spoons And Knives
They loved to party
The fact that Vikings loved to party and were a boisterous lot when they did is something that movies and television productions consistently get right. Norse feasts were enormous festivities with a lot of food, drink, and some hedonistic behavior. However, parties were significant for other reasons besides indulging in food, beer, and women. They were excellent venues for building relationships, fostering social positions, and advancing political objectives.
They Loved To Party
Runes were just the way to write
Runes continue to captivate archaeologists and history buffs today, and their discovery has provided us with crucial knowledge and hints about life in the Middle Ages. It’s ironic that these priceless examples of ancient art and Viking culture were, to them, as commonplace as our shopping lists. Futhark, the runic alphabet, was only the writing system used by literate men and women (far from everyone). Nothing about it was unique or noteworthy.
Runes Were Just The Way To Write
Animal sacrifices were part of life
Animal Sacrifices Were Part Of Life
Skating and skiing everywhere
Skating And Skiing Everywhere
They ate plenty of fish
Despite the fact that the Vikings had to endure extremely severe winter temperatures, they had abundant food supplies. Particularly fish was a mainstay. Vikings had access to a variety of fish, including herring, which was a favorite, because of the abundance of lakes, rivers, streams, and even the ocean. The favored method of preparing fish was by salting, curing, and smoking it, much like they did with meat. They could utilize it as nourishment on their maritime voyages since it might survive for months as a result.
They Ate Plenty Of Fish
Interesting burial ceremonies
We can’t be certain whether this is accurate because it is yet another historical truth that has been challenged by historians. However, there is some evidence that implies the Vikings practiced certain unusual burial customs. Yes, they did typically bury their deceased, as shown by the burials that included human remains and other belongings. However, it appears that other Viking soldiers had a more heroic goodbye. Personal items thought to be required in the hereafter were placed with the body in a small boat, which was then set ablaze.
Interesting Burial Ceremonies
They were no romantics
The fact that the Vikings saw marriage as a crucial relationship does not imply that they were romantically inclined. Marriage was primarily a business transaction, a means of gaining both material and political wealth. The result was that the wedding procedure took a while.
The two households involved utilized legal delegates, the medieval equivalents of attorneys, to negotiate the arrangements. It was merely a fortuitous chance if the young couple in question also happened to fall in love.
They Were No Romantics
Mead was a staple
Nobody would likely be surprised to discover that Vikings were very strong drinkers. Mead, the forerunner of modern beer, was common. The most well-liked kind was honey mead, which was in fact produced using actual honey. The love of mead is obvious even in Norse mythology; for instance, some of them have goats that produce mead. Many people think that the Vikings are to blame for Scandinavians’ continued preference for beer as their preferred alcoholic beverage.
Mead Was A Staple
Not just fighters, but also story-tellers
The Vikings had a gentler side despite how harsh and savage much of their way of life was. They enjoyed telling stories, just like everyone else, and their tales were full of symbolism and imaginative detail. They also had a form of spoken word poetry that was unique to them.
Long tales were memorized by Vikings and then shared around the fire. This was done to entertain people as well as to teach the next generation about the history, religion, and culture of the Vikings.
Not Just Fighters, But Also Story Tellers
The Vikings knew how to make yoghurt
Even today, whole milk, yogurt, and cheese are basic breakfast foods in Scandinavia, where the diet is still heavily based on dairy products. This dates all the way back to the Vikings, who were expert users of dairy. They raised sheep, goats, and cows and frequently made fermented dairy products, butter, and cheese out of the milk to extend its shelf life. Skyr is one common kind that is still widely consumed in Iceland. It is a soft, viscous yogurt-cheese spread that is fairly sour and high in protein.
The Vikings Knew How To Make Yoghurt
They were skilled farmers and hunters
We frequently emphasize on the more daring parts of Viking life, such as their global exploration and plundering. But they should also be praised for their excellent agricultural and hunting abilities. It’s not as though they all spent the majority of their time at sea. Everyone was nourished and kept warm thanks to the hard effort of the men, women, and kids back home. Due to the severe weather, they had to be creative, cultivating fruits and vegetables in the summer and canning both food and meats for the winter.
They Were Skilled Farmers And Hunters
The Vikings are certainly an amazing bunch, which makes you think where are they now? Although Vikings don’t exist now, they certainly have descendants today! This is why we’re here to show you what makes Iceland so fascinating! The place is known to be one of the places where the original Vikings resided, so there’d be no surprise if their way of life reflects the life of the people from Iceland!
Iceland Facts That Sets It Apart From Other Countries
Lava Bread
Icelandic rye bread is frequently baked beneath the surface in scorching volcanic sand. It is sometimes referred to as “lava bread” or “volcanic bread.” Many tribes and centuries have used the earth as an oven. Given how frequently geothermal activity occurs in Iceland, it seems obvious that people would use the ground for cooking.
Lava Bread
Most Of Iceland Is Uninhabited
Iceland will be perfect for you if you want to escape the throng and reconnect with nature a little. Only 20% of Iceland is really inhabited due to its distinctive topography. Many of the far-off, unpopulated locations are accessible, however, we advise consulting professionals first. Without access to mobile service, you wouldn’t want to get lost in the midst of a foreign nation.
Most Of Iceland Is Uninhabited
Super Jeeps
The ‘super jeeps’ that residents use to traverse Iceland’s challenging terrain—many of which are off-road, remote, and difficult to access—often have a higher suspension and large tires that allow them to travel through snow, ice, and across deep rushing rivers.
Super Jeeps
Mild Summer Temperatures
Iceland may conjure up images of icy winds and significant snowfall, but this is not the case in the summer. It never gets too cold either because Iceland’s July high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and its summertime nightly low temperature is only 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mild Summer Temperatures
Traditional Icelandic Food
By the standards of most people, many of Iceland’s traditional meals are considered weird and bizarre. mostly as a result of the popular meals that date back to the Viking era. In Iceland, fermented shark, or Hákarl as Icelanders call it, is regarded as a delicacy. Since shark flesh is deadly while it is fresh, it is placed in a small pit and covered with large boulders to allow the meat to ferment for a period of time.
Traditional Icelandic Food
Coca-Cola In Iceland
Despite being one of the healthiest nations in Europe, Iceland is recognized as the world’s biggest Coca-Cola user. Per capita, Icelanders drink 417 bottles annually. At roughly eight every week, that is more than any other nation. To put that into context, the weekly average for Americans is three colas.
Coca-Cola In Iceland
Telephone Directory
Telephone directories in Iceland display their citizens by their first names alphabetically, with no mention of last names, as the country’s residents don’t have inherited last names and the entire society is based on first names. because they lack them. The ‘white pages phonebook,’ as it is known in Iceland, is a relatively small book.
Telephone Directory
The Police Service In Iceland
The police in Iceland do not possess any weapons or firearms. The Police, who are in charge of enforcing the law all around the nation, have discovered that they are able to perform their tasks without the use of firearms or tasers. Iceland is regarded as one of the safest nations in the world due to the extremely low crime rate and the absence of violent crime in most areas.
The Police Service In Iceland
Someone Tried Selling The Northern Lights
Einar Benediktsson, an Icelandic poet and attorney born in 1864, attempted to market the northern lights while serving as editor of Iceland’s first daily newspaper. Benediktsson spent years traversing Europe in an effort to find a buyer and possibly generate some money for Iceland since he thought that foreign investment could better utilize Iceland’s natural resources.
Someone Tried Selling The Northern Lights
Snowland?
Naddodur was the first Viking known to have arrived in Iceland in the ninth century. He has actually pulled away from his intended course and westward from the Faroe Islands when he came to a sizable country devoid of any traces of civilization. He was reportedly taken aback by the snow in September and named the island “Snowland” as a result.
Snowland?
A Little Town Called Húsavík
The “whale-watching capital of Europe” has long been the town of Húsavík on the north-eastern coast. Another option is to go to the Whale Museum in Hsavk, a non-profit organization that provides the educational aspect of the whale-watching excursions. Also starring Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell, the Netflix film “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” had a scene from this small town.
A Little Town Called Húsavík
The Midnight Sun
Every year in the summer, there is a phenomenon known as the “midnight sun” that causes many golfers from across the world to pack up their clubs and go for the course for a few days when the sun is visible at midnight. The Arctic Open at the Akureyri Golf Club in Iceland was being played at the stroke of midnight by this group of golfers.
The Midnight Sun
The Smallest Nation In The World Cup
The smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup is Iceland, which is a more recent fact that you may already be aware of. Many of the participants—from a filmmaker to a dentist—have normal day jobs. Iceland’s team is actually quite good, despite the fact that it is a small nation.
The Smallest Nation In The World Cup
Iceland Was Once Covered In Trees
This intriguing fact: Before the Vikings pillaged Iceland, 40% of the entire island was covered in trees, making it one of the few things about Iceland that isn’t precisely ideal. However, the newcomers required all those trees in order to construct homes, and boats, and to clear ground for farming. As a result of ongoing reforestation initiatives, that percentage is now barely 2%.
Iceland Was Once Covered In Trees
No Pet Reptiles
Pet reptile ownership is prohibited in Iceland, despite the fact that dogs and cats are acceptable household pets. Early in the 1990s, pet snakes, turtles, and lizards were outlawed after it was discovered that someone had salmonella after handling a pet turtle.
No Pet Reptiles
So Many Swimming Pools
Iceland boasts the highest swimming pool-to-human ratio in the world, so you don’t have to worry about other swimmers bothering you despite the weather. Icelanders also adore swimming. In fact, it’s more common for swimmers to find themselves in one of the many pools, lagunas, or hot springs completely alone.
So Many Swimming Pools
The Only War
The only conflict fought in Iceland was the so-called “Cod War,” which is mentioned in a different slide. In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a disagreement over fishing grounds between the UK and Iceland. It’s important to note that, aside from these conflicts, Iceland has never taken part in a war or been the target of an invasion of any type.
The Only War
Interesting Origin Of The Word
The English word “geyser” actually derives from the name of the large geyser, which is Geysir in Haukadalur. This is exciting news for individuals who are curious about the origins of words. The first geyser to be mentioned in a printed document, this erupting water source is situated in the south of Iceland.
Interesting Origin Of The Word
Pure, Clean Water
You can forget about purchasing bottled water that has already been filtered because the water in Iceland is so pristine. Instead, its streams, lakes, and rivers offer the cleanest, freshest water you can ever drink. To fill your own bottle with beautifully pure drinking water, all you need to do is dip it into the water source.
Pure, Clean Water
Iceland Has 13 Santas
Icelanders anticipate 13 Yule Lads, not Santa Claus, to visit them on Christmas, while the majority of the Western world waits impatiently for their gifts. Starting 13 days before Christmas as children in Iceland eagerly await their modest present, each rugged-looking Santa makes one visit.
Iceland Has 13 Santas
100 Words For Wind
Despite having a notoriously challenging language, the people are also extremely proficient in English, making it simple for visitors to move around. Icelandic has 100 terms for wind, which is an unusual fact that makes sense. Due to its close resemblance to Old Norse, many Icelanders are able to read writings written in it.
100 Words For Wind
Iceland’s National Sport
Icelanders enjoy a wide variety of sports, including volleyball and football, but handball is their favorite. Handball, the national sport of Iceland, is a game in which two teams compete to score by kicking the ball into the opposing goal. Iceland’s national team won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Iceland’s National Sport
Icelanders And Their Books
It is evident that Iceland places a great emphasis on literature given that it is a country of avid readers of books and magazines. Iceland may take pride in having a large number of published authors and a long-standing reading culture that dates back to the 13th century. Iceland produces more writers per capita than any other country in the world, with one in ten people writing a book in their lifetime.
Icelanders And Their Books
The Last Frontier
Are you aware that Iceland was the final place on earth to see human settlement? All of this occurred more than 1,100 years ago when Iceland was accidentally discovered by Norse people from the Norwegian Viking era. According to some records, Iceland was colonized by Irish monks before the Vikings got there, but they quickly gave up on the difficult and remote terrain and fled.
The Last Frontier