Explain why the Vikings sailed such long distances?

For the exploration and discovery of new lands

The Vikings were intrepid navigators who constantly sought to find new regions to explore beyond their homelands. Thanks to their sturdy, fast, and easy-to-maneuver boats, the famous drakkars, they could sail very far, even in open seas. They thus reached Iceland, Greenland, and even the shores of North America, long before Christopher Columbus. Their innate curiosity and excellent sense of direction, guided by the observation of the sun, stars, and even birds, played an important role in these incredible crossings. This taste for adventure obviously allowed them to discover unknown territories rich in exploitable natural resources.

For trade and the establishment of new trade routes.

The Vikings navigated extensively to trade their goods, especially furs, amber, slaves, and iron, for luxury products from elsewhere such as silk, spices, or silver. Their ability to build sturdy and fast ships allowed them to venture far, facilitating trade between Scandinavia, Western Europe, Byzantium, and even the Near East. Through commerce, they established impressive economic networks, opened new routes by following major European rivers, and gave rise to trading posts that would later become real cities. Trade also allowed them to create profitable alliances with other peoples.

For conquest and territorial expansion

The Vikings did not sail merely to explore or trade: they were also known for their raids, plundering, and the acquisition of new territories. With fast and maneuverable boats, they would land by surprise and easily take possession of villages or even entire regions, as was the case in England, Ireland, or France. Their strategy was clear: arrive quickly, strike hard, and sometimes establish colonies to secure fertile lands, abundant resources, and control strategic points. This constant desire to expand their territory even led them to create Viking kingdoms far from home, for example in Normandy.

To escape the climatic constraints and ensure the survival of their community.

The Vikings lived in regions where the climate was often harsh, cold, and difficult for agriculture. Periods of intense cold, such as the "Little Ice Age" in the early Middle Ages, made life painful and threatened their crops. As a result, faced with these difficulties, they took to the sea to find places with a milder climate and more abundant resources. Sailing far allowed them to settle in better areas for farming, fishing, or hunting to ensure the food survival of their community. Essentially, going far away was their concrete way of escaping famine and deadly winters.

To follow their religious and mythological beliefs.

The Vikings sailed great distances, partly motivated by stories from their mythology, such as the desire to reach legendary lands like Valhalla, reserved for warriors who died in battle. For them, maritime travel was a way to realize their religious beliefs and gain the favor of the gods, especially that of Odin and Thor. Undertaking brave and distant expeditions could bring them closer to the mythical heroes they admired. Sailing far and exploring the unknown was almost a spiritual duty. Their journeys reflected their worldview: a universe made of courage, bravery, and honor, in which adventure at sea held a major place.