Viking Holidays: 5 Viking-Inspired Trips for TV Series Fans (and History Lovers)
If you love the Vikings universe, the legends, the music, the landscapes, and the drama of shows like Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla and The Last Kingdom, a Viking-inspired holiday is the ultimate way to bring it all to life.
The best part? You don’t have to choose between real Viking history and TV-series vibes. The destinations below offer museums and archaeological sites, plus scenery and locations that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from the screen.
Viking holiday destinations (at a glance)
- Norway – fjords, longships, and “this could be Kattegat” scenery
- Denmark – rune stones, Viking towns and ring fortresses
- Iceland – sagas, epic landscapes and early settlement history
- England – Jorvik, Lindisfarne and The Last Kingdom territory
- Ireland – Viking Dublin + the famous “Kattegat” filming spot
1) Norway: the heart of Viking heritage (and fjord-level drama)
Norway is often seen as the cradle of Viking culture — and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a bit like you’ve stepped into a scene from Vikings when you’re surrounded by mountains, water and wild skies.
Top Viking sites in Norway
- Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum
Home to some of the best-preserved Viking ships in the world. If you want a real sense of how the Vikings travelled (and how skilled they were), this is a must. - Lofoten Islands + Lofotr Viking Museum
Lofoten is breathtaking, and the Lofotr Viking Museum is brilliant for families — you can explore a reconstructed longhouse and (depending on the season) experience Viking-themed events. - Borgund Stave Church
Built after the Viking Age, but it’s a gorgeous example of the craftsmanship and design influences that carried through.
TV-series connection
Even when you’re not at an official filming location, Norway’s fjords and landscapes have that unmistakable Viking feel, the kind of scenery that makes you want to rewatch Vikings as soon as you get home.
Family tip: If you’re travelling with kids, look for museums with hands-on exhibits or living history events — they’re so much easier than trying to keep little ones engaged with long information boards.
2) Denmark: Viking towns, rune stones and ring fortresses
Denmark is packed with Viking history, and it’s one of the best places to visit if you want to understand the “Danes vs Saxons” tension that runs through The Last Kingdom.
Top Viking sites in Denmark
- Jelling (the “birthplace of Denmark”)
Famous for the Jelling Stones — massive rune stones linked to King Harald Bluetooth. - Ribe Viking Center
Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town and a brilliant stop if you like immersive history. Expect Viking markets, reenactments and that “living museum” feel. - Trelleborg
One of the best-preserved Viking ring fortresses, and a fascinating look at Viking military planning and architecture.
TV-series connection
If The Last Kingdom made you curious about the Danish invasions and the wider Viking world, Denmark gives you the context behind the drama and it’s a great destination if you like your holidays to be a mix of culture and exploring.
3) Iceland: land of sagas, settlements and cinematic landscapes
Iceland feels otherworldly in the best way. It’s ideal if you love the mood of Viking stories, rugged scenery, big skies, and that sense of being on the edge of the world.
Top Viking sites in Iceland
- Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO site)
The location of the world’s oldest parliament, established by Viking settlers. It’s one of those places that’s both beautiful and historically significant. - Reykjavík’s National Museum
A great starting point to understand Iceland’s Viking origins and early settlement. - The Westfjords
Remote, dramatic, and full of saga energy. Perfect if you want a quieter trip with plenty of nature.
TV-series connection
Iceland’s landscapes often feel like the backdrop for Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla — harsh, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Practical tip: Iceland can be pricey, so if you’re planning a family trip, it’s worth mapping out a few “big ticket” days and balancing them with free nature stops (waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints).
4) England: Jorvik, raids and The Last Kingdom territory
If you’re UK-based, England is one of the easiest ways to do a Viking-inspired break without a huge travel plan and it’s packed with places that connect directly to Viking history and the stories shown on screen.
Top Viking sites in England
- York (Jorvik)
Once a major Viking stronghold. The Jorvik Viking Centre is a brilliant, immersive way to experience Viking life in England. - Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Famous for the Viking raid in 793 AD. It’s a powerful place to visit — and absolutely stunning. - Repton
Linked to the Great Heathen Army’s winter camp, which fans of The Last Kingdom will recognise as a key part of the wider story. - Bamburgh Castle (Bebbanburg vibes!)
Bamburgh Castle is believed to be the inspiration for Bebbanburg, Uhtred’s ancestral home in The Last Kingdom. Even if you’re not a castle person, the views alone are worth it.
TV-series connection
From battles to invasions to shifting kingdoms, England is basically a real-life map of so many storylines in The Last Kingdom — and Bamburgh is a standout for fans.
5) Ireland: Viking Dublin + the “Kattegat” filming spot
Ireland gives you a lovely mix of Viking history and jaw-dropping scenery, plus one of the most exciting stops for Vikings fans.
Top Viking sites in Ireland
- Dublinia
An interactive museum experience focused on Dublin’s Viking past, great if you’re visiting with kids. - Waterford
Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings. Explore Reginald’s Tower and the Viking Triangle walking route for a proper heritage day. - Lough Tay (Kattegat filming location)
This is the one many Vikings fans dream about. Lough Tay is famously associated with the show’s depiction of Kattegat, and it’s easy to see why, it’s dramatic and incredibly photogenic.
TV-series connection
The Vikings’ interactions with Ireland show up in Vikings, and visiting in real life adds a whole new layer to those episodes, especially when you’re standing somewhere that looks like it belongs in the series.
FAQs: Viking holidays for TV series fans
Where is Kattegat in real life?
Kattegat is a real sea area between Denmark and Sweden, but in Vikings the “Kattegat” you see on screen was created using a mix of locations and production design. Lough Tay in Ireland is often mentioned by fans as a key filming-associated spot.
What’s the best Viking holiday destination for The Last Kingdom fans?
If you want strong The Last Kingdom connections, England is a great place to start — especially Bamburgh Castle (Bebbanburg) and York (Jorvik).
Are Viking-inspired holidays suitable for families?
Yes — and they can be brilliant. Look for interactive museums, living history centres, and short walking routes with plenty of stops. (And always pack snacks. Always.)
What’s the best time of year for a Viking-inspired trip?
Late spring to early autumn is usually easiest for weather and daylight, especially for Norway and Iceland. If you want fewer crowds, aim for shoulder season.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re drawn in by the sagas, the history, or the sheer drama of shows like Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla and The Last Kingdom, these destinations let you experience the Viking world in a way that feels real and a little bit cinematic too.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for a holiday that’s equal parts history and “I can’t believe I’m actually here.” Skål!
K Elizabeth xoxox
