Viking Voyage

During spring break from March 9-12, 20 Hopkins students will travel to Scandinavia to explore Viking and Nordic culture. Students and faculty chaperones will travel through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, visiting the Viking Planet Experience and Skansen — the world’s first open-air museum — alongside many other Viking and Nordic historic sights.  

Two faculty chaperones for the Viking Voyage, History teacher David DeNaples and Pathfinder Director and Science teacher Jennifer Geel, emphasize their goals for the trip. DeNaples said one of his main goals is for students to “leave Scandinavia appreciating the true complexity of Viking society.” He commented that “Vikings were also master craftsmen, merchants, and the founders of many modern states, beyond the standard image of warriors and seafaring marauders.” Jennifer Geel said that she “hopes students have a meaningful adventure, and that this trip inspires them to extend the lessons they learn in the classroom into the real world.”

DeNaples explained that this spring break is the first time Hopkins will host a Viking-themed trip. DeNaples noted that “the idea…actually came to me after our History Department trip to Central and Eastern Europe in 2024.” He said that after visiting major World War II and Cold War sites like Normandy and Auschwitz, “I felt our travelers were ready for a dynamic change of pace,” which ultimately inspired the Viking Voyage.

The total cost of the trip is 5,900 dollars per student. This cost includes travel fees, lodging, and scheduled cultural excursions. 

Students explain what drew them to sign up for the Viking Voyage. Juno Queen ’28 said, “I've been to Europe before, but I've only ever been to the UK specifically,” and the Voyage “seems like a good chance to visit some other areas as well.” Similarly, Erika Berliner ’28 emphasized that it will be her “first time going to that part of the world, and I love to travel.” 

Students emphasize what they hope to learn from the Viking Voyage. “I hope to gain more travel experience…and more insights into Northern European history” said Samantha Arguero ’27. Evan Galvani-Townsend ’27 noted that he “really wants to see the Northern lights.” 

Students share enthusiasm for learning about the Vikings and Nordic history. Queen said, “I really love Nordic mythology and generally learning about Vikings; and I'm hoping to gain more knowledge about Scandinavia as well as just have some fun during spring break!” Berliner explained that she wanted “to go on the trip originally because I'm really interested in history.” Berliner said, “I've got Norwegian heritage on my mom’s side, and I’ve always wanted to go to Norway.” 

Faculty chaperones and students highlight different aspects of the Voyage they are anticipating. “I am most excited to tour the fjords by boat. As a biologist and science nerd at heart, exploring this unique ecological feature has always been a dream of mine,” Geel noted. DeNaples agreed, “I’m particularly excited about taking a ferry through the fjords from Norway to Denmark and visiting one of the oldest open-air markets in Europe.” Berliner stated that “having a fun trip with some of my close friends is the main thing I'm looking forward to.” 

Aguero recalled the excitement she felt signing up for the Viking Voyage. Aguero said, “when I saw the description of the trip, I knew I just had to sign up.” She noted that she was “obsessed with Norwegian history and vikings in general in middle school.” To Aguero, Viking Voyage "feels like a full circle moment to my past interests.”