where they originated

The Vikings came from the countries which we know now as Denmark, Norway and Sweden.  We refer to the area that these countries are located as Scandinavia. The Vikings lived mainly along the coastlines of these countries or along the rivers which ran into the seas. These are the Vikings that left their lands to explore, invade and settle in other lands. Some Vikings did live further inland but, like most settlements and villages, they were often located near to rivers. These Vikings also explored and traded with other tribes and peoples as far as Russia. Eventually, many Vikings left their Scandinavian homeland to settle in England, Scotland, Ireland and other parts of the world where they continued their Scandinavian lifestyle. Not only did they move to England, Scotland and Ireland, but they also settled in North America, North Africa, Russia, and Constantinople.