Archaeologists discover traces of Viking ship under burial mound in Norway

In Norway, archaeologists have found traces of a Viking ship that would have been buried in the southeast of the country. It is a rare discovery that may shed more light on the expeditions of medieval sailors.

With the help of a ground radar, the typical form of a Viking boat was detected in a tumulus on a cemetery of the Vikings in Halden, south-east of Oslo. “In the middle of the cemetery an anomaly was noticed, something that distinguishes itself from the rest and clearly has the shape and dimensions of a Viking ship,” explains archaeologist Knut Paasche of the Norwegian research institute for cultural patrimony (Niku). For the time being, it is still unclear in what state the vessel is located. “Yes, there is a boat in that place, but it is difficult to say how many woods remains,” says Paasche.

At the time of the Vikings it was customary to bury kings and leaders aboard ships that were hoisted on land and were being buried under a hill. Up to now only three Viking ships have been found in good condition in Norway. The last discovery dates from 1903. All three ships were exhibited in a museum not far from Oslo. Further finds are needed to determine what the boats looked like and how the Vikings navigated, according to the researchers.

Although the vessel discovered in Halden does not seem to have a bow and stern, it is 20 meters long. The research institute will examine what action will be taken on the discovery. An attempt at excavation is unfortunately excluded at this time of the year.