Climate Change
Medieval Warm Period
During the Viking Age (around 800 to 1100 AD), the climate in Europe was warmer than usual. This period, called the “Medieval Warm Period”, helped the Norse farm more easily and sail longer distances.
Little Ice Age
But by around 1300 AD, the weather began to become cooler. This was the beginning of the “Little Ice Age”, which brought colder, longer winters and shorter growing seasons. The colder climate affected all of Scandinavia. Farming became much harder, sea ice grew thicker, and frozen waters made it difficult to travel or get supplies.
Farming Impossible
Farming became much harder, sea ice grew thicker, and frozen waters made it difficult to travel or get supplies.