In 2023, a metal detectorist found two brooches and some ribs just under the surface layer of dirt on a farm. Archaeologists dated the site between 900 and 950 CE based on the style of the brooches. The site could’ve been just as easily plowed under and the grave with its riches lost. Instead, archaeologists from the Arctic University Museum of Norway were able to excavate the site in June 2025. They found a ship grave containing a Viking woman buried with her dog curled at her feet.
Boat Details
The boat measured at 5.4 meters (17 feet 8 inches). It was classified as a “sewn” boat, meaning the planks were attached with something other than iron rivets. The boat’s planks were only visible as dark spots at the site; the wood and the material used to fasten it together had long since decomposed.
The Viking Woman
The woman was buried with a ring-shaped pendant that was likely attached to her ear or a headpiece. The oval brooches were refined and used silver thread.
“Only the elite would receive a burial like this,” Anja Roth Niemi told Science Norway. “She wasn’t at the very top of the social ladder, but she was clearly an important figure.” Neime explained that only one or two people a generation were buried in boats with their valuables.
The Viking Dog
Dogs are found in some Viking graves, and they have their place in the sagas. This dog was placed with care and reinforces the idea that Vikings formed strong relationships with their pets.
More Graves?
Another brooch found nearby may indicate another grave, but archaeologists haven’t confirmed its presence.
“We’d really like to survey the area with ground-penetrating radar to see if there’s more to uncover,” said Neimi.
If you liked reading about a Viking woman buried with her dog, check out our article about Vikings and cats.
