Land transport in the Viking Age

Even if the Viking Age is especially known for its attractive and functional Viking ships, land transport was also an important part of life. People could walk, ride or drive a carriage. In the winter they could also move around aided by skis, skates or sledges. Carriages were used in the areas where the terrain allowed. The roads of the Viking Age are known from wheel ruts. Oxen could be used to pull crude working carriages, while presumably horses were mostly used for transporting people. Archaeological finds have been made, which attest to the transport options available in the Viking Age. In addition to the harness bow, which was part of the hoard from Mammen, finds of carriage bodies have also been made. These carriage bodies are sometimes found in women’s graves, where they were used as coffins.