On Monday, September 03, we all go on an excursion and have a outdoor lecture about viking era.
Viking Ship Mound in Tønsberg
First, we visit the mounds where the Norwegian viking ships “Oseberg” and “Gokstad” were found in Tønsberg and Sandefjord. I feel really grateful that USN is at a perfect location beside many historical remains, especially those related to viking age. Thanks to it, I can easily get access to those places and explore Norwegian culture with a deeper understanding as an exchange student. For me, it’s really hard to imagine that there had once boat buildings left on those green hills one hundred years ago, since these places are only covered with grass now. More interesting thing is, the sea level at that time was 3 meters higher than now. In addition, county Vestfold is the only place in Norway, even in the world, where people finds the best-preserved viking ships.
The Oseberg Ship
The Gokstad Ship
The viking ship Oseberg was built in year 820 and found in 1904, which was named by the place where people discovered it. When Oseberg was found, it was covered with moss and sandy clay. The scholars prove that those good conditions are the main factors for preserving the ship; the other ship is Gokstad, which was built around 890 and found in 1880. It is 23.5 meters long, and it can accommodate 16 oarsmen on each side. These two ships both have been on voyages of the sea, but eventually were hauled onto land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. For example, Oseberg was discovered with a large amount of craving goods and two female skeletons inside. I’m amazed by this kind of high status burial. To praise wealthy people, the huge viking ship was dragged to ground to be buried with the dead.
These two viking ships are now exhibited in the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. I had visited the museum before I came to USN. I had no idea about the history and greatness of viking age when I went face to face with those viking ships then. But after the excursion, I can combine what I had seen and what I had been told together. And this really widens my horizon. In addition, I learn that the name of the capital city Oslo is related to the oceans and boats. “Os” means where the rivers meet the ships, and “lo” means the rivers. Therefore, I think that it is a brilliant idea to exhibit Oseberg and Gokstad in Oslo.
Coastal Centre in Sandefjord
Rowing Lesson
On the Replica of the Gokstad Ship “Gaia”
After visiting the mounds, we move to the coastal centre in Sandefjord to learn more practical details about how viking ships are preserved. Later on, we get a rowing lesson on a small boat before sailing on the big and traditional one. I have trouble in rowing the oars because I’m a person with uncoordinated limbs. It’s very hard to balance the oars because they are even heavier when I row them into the water. Then we move to go sailing on a full scale replica of the Gokstad ship “Gaia.” Although I’m a bad rower, I still enjoy the whole sailing experience. Also, I’m very satisfied with what I have learned from this excursion as well.