During the Viking Age (circa 800–1050 CE), Finland's coastal regions were not isolated from the larger Scandinavian world. Although Finland itself wasn't home to Viking settlements like those in Norway or Denmark, its shores were frequently touched by Viking raids and trading expeditions. The Vikings, particularly from Sweden, targeted these areas as part of their broader activities across the Baltic Sea.
Europe in the 9th century. © "The Public Schools Historical Atlas" by Charles Colbeck. Longmans, Green
Raids were common along Finland's western and southern coasts, where scattered Finnish tribes lived. These raids, primarily by Swedish Vikings, sought plunder but also created contact between the Finns and the rest of the Viking world. Over time, however, the relationship between the Vikings and the Finns evolved beyond just raiding. Trade became an important part of this interaction, as the Vikings exchanged goods such as furs, iron, and weapons for luxury items like silver and textiles, integrating Finland into a wider trading network stretching from Scandinavia to the Middle East.
In addition to trade and raiding, some Vikings may have settled in Finnish coastal regions temporarily, contributing to cultural exchanges. Evidence of this comes from archaeological finds, such as weapons, jewelry, and Viking-style boat graves, which suggest these connections.