Viking Ship Ship: c . 820 Photograph: 1904, Oseberg, (Tønsberg, Norway) 1 black and white photograph National Archives of Norway RA/S-1021/Ej/L0697 The term ‘Viking Ship’ refers to a large category of Nordic wooden vessels built and used by the Vikings, during the era that bears their name, 800-1050 AD . The Vikings were feared and admired across Europe; their voyages and their incursions remain the stuff of legend, and their ships were almost as famous as the Vikings themselves. Viking ships of all types were known for their technical and artistic perfection. The design varied, depending on whether they were intended for military or commercial use. Most Viking navigation was coastal or along rivers, but, as is well known, they sometimes engaged in deep sea voyages, with ships designed for Atlantic navigation sometimes known by the Norse term ‘Knarr . ’ Viking ships were fast and manoeuvrable, with the strength to survive ocean crossings. Remains of various Viking ships have b...