#16: Skiing: A Favorite Viking Pastime

Long before the Vikings set sail, Scandinavians were already gliding across snowy landscapes—on skis! Dating back 6,000 years, skiing wasn’t just for fun; it was essential for survival, aiding in hunting and travel through harsh winters.

So important was this skill that they even had a skiing god—Ullr, the deity of winter and archery. While initially a means of survival, skiing eventually became a sport and leisure activity, gaining popularity in the 19th century.