The Vikings were originally from Scandinavia, specifically the regions that are now modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These Norse seafarers emerged from this area around the late 8th century and were known for their raids, trading, and exploration across Europe and beyond. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark each contributed distinct groups of Vikings, with the Norwegians known for their voyages across the North Atlantic to places like Iceland, Greenland, and even North America, while Swedes ventured eastward into the Baltics and Russia. The Viking Age is generally dated from about 700 to 1100 CE, with these groups sharing a common culture and language known as Old Norse, a North Germanic language.