Builders, not destroyers: How did Vikings help develop Europe's towns and cities?

A blend of economic, political, geographical, and social factors driven by the Vikings led to the emergence of these urban centers from the British Isles to the shores of the Black Sea during the early medieval period. 

A short journey from Stockholm, the ancient town of Sigtuna offers travelers a vivid glimpse into urban life over a millennium ago during the Viking Age.

Regarded as a pivotal attraction for those passionate about Viking history, Sigtuna is a focal point in the Viking history tours organized by STOEX. Reservations for this insightful expedition can be made here.

In an era before the hustle and bustle of towns and cities 

Unlike other European regions further south, the Nordic region saw very little population clusters until well into the medieval period. 

The region's distinct climate, characterized by prolonged, harsh winters and short summers, combined with its mountain-dominated geography and limited arable land, kept population centers small and isolated.

Consequently, the unification of what would later become the three medieval kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden occurred much later than in other European regions. 

Norway was the last to be unified under a single ruler, Harald Fairhair, with the battle at Hafrsfjord signaling his subjugation of all the petty kingdoms in 871.
 
By the traditional start of the Viking Age (793–1066), there were only a handful of large villages throughout the three medieval Scandinavian kingdoms, and Iceland was still uninhabited. 

However, by the end of this period, the Nordic region had seen a marked increase in the development of towns and cities. 

This development was fueled by the economic, political, and social impacts of Viking societies as they expanded, sometimes peacefully, sometimes not, throughout the North Atlantic world. 

Founded over a millennium ago, Sigtuna began its journey as a prominent Viking trading post, evolving into one of Sweden's earliest urban centers. Photo: Andrei Nekrassov / Shutterstock

Strategic trading posts evolved 

Vikings frequently set up early settlements as they began raiding coastal communities, particularly in the British Isles and the Frankish realms. 

These locations might serve as spots to overwinter and mend their renowned longships. 

Over time, these temporary camps evolved into seasonal trading posts, fostering trade.

Moreover, these initial settlements held strategic value, providing a base for launching subsequent raids and attacks. 

Often going hand in hand with a Viking raid was trade and commerce. 

After the Vikings departed from these seasonal camps and early settlements, having established dominance over an area, traders and merchants from their Scandinavian homeland would soon follow. 

During the early medieval period, the Nordic region was economically, politically, and culturally less affluent than other parts of Europe. 

This meant substantial wealth could be amassed and valuable goods obtained through trading activities. 

Towns such as Hedeby, located in present-day Northern Germany and originally a Viking outpost on Frankish land, quickly experienced an influx of goods and people, transforming this strategic outpost into a significant trading town.

On the topic of population movement, further away in the British Isles, Viking conquests over the local Gaelic populace led to the establishment of a settlement at the River Liffey's confluence, primarily for the slave trade. 

Today, we know this place as Dublin. 

The ruins of St Pers Church in Sigtuna, dating back to the 1100s, stand as a testament to the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. Photo: Arild Vågen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Religious and worldly pursuits 

Aside from raiding and trading, spiritual beliefs also played a role in the development of towns and cities by people in Viking societies. 

Often, small villages and settlements had a religious center nearby. 

If we believe the Norse sagas and later medieval chronicles, the town of Lund was established due to the presence of a great pagan temple, said to draw people who believed in the Old Norse religion from all over the region. 

As the number of pilgrims increased, infrastructure gradually developed. 

This growth was further accelerated with the advent of Scandinavia's Christianization when temples were soon transformed into Christian churches. 

Norway's first saint, Olav, was actually a Viking who fell in battle. 

His body was buried under what later became Nidaros Cathedral, an important center of worship and the endpoint of Olavsleden (St. Olav's Way) well into the early modern period. 

Over time, these settlements, attracting people for various worldly and spiritual reasons, evolved into urban centers with larger populations, expanded infrastructure, and a broader spectrum of economic and social activities. 

Soon, these urban areas became hubs of trade, politics, and culture. 

Scandinavian towns capitalized on their strategic position at the northern end of Europe, wedged between the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, and Eastern Europe. 

In fact, the Baltic Sea became a virtual Viking pond during the early medieval period, with trading towns established throughout coastal areas. 

• Planning a trip to Stockholm? Book your Viking history tour here!

Despite its grand past, Sigtuna today is a charmingly compact town, home to a small number of residents who cherish its heritage. Photo: Brorsson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sigtuna: Sweden's most charming historic city 

A classic example of a small village evolving into a Viking trading town is Sigtuna, Sweden. 

Historically, this town is believed to have been founded over a millennium ago by King Eric the Victorious in 980. 

Situated on the shores of Lake Malaren, its location facilitated trade and commerce, not only with the immediate vicinity but also extending to the Baltic Sea and beyond. 

Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed a diverse range of traded goods, including ceramics, precious metals, and textiles. 

This thriving trading village soon began to see rapid urbanization. 

However, it was not just an influx of people into the town that was occurring; soon an influx of new ideas began too. 

With rapid urbanization underway, the town was designed with a grid layout - exceptionally unusual for the time. 

This led to the town's streets, squares, and buildings being laid out in an organized manner. 

This was needed as the coming of Christianity into the region soon saw it become a significant center for the spread of this new religion. 

Several churches were established, and the ruins of two, St. Per's Church and St. Olof's Church, remain popular tourist attractions. 

During the 11th century, Sweden's first coins were minted in the town. Today, its population stands at just over 8,000 people. 

Should you want to know more about Sigtuna, one of Sweden's most historic and charming cities, then why not book a tour with STOEX? 

Offering a range of daily tours from Stockholm that focus on Swedish history during the Viking Age and beyond, their dedicated and knowledgeable staff can take you to the sights and sounds of Sigtuna. 

Here, you can walk the streets and trace the city's history from a mere Viking trading post more than a millennium ago. 

This branded article was produced in collaboration with STOEX, a partner of The Viking Herald. You can find out more about their Viking and history tours - and book one - here.