Viken
Viken (Norwegian for "the bay") is an historical
district surrounding the
Oslofjord in southeastern
Norway. The cultural hub is centred in
Oslo and the capital of the region was formerly at
Borre. It comprises the historical provinces of
Vestfold,
Østfold,
Ranrike,
Vingulmark and
Båhuslen. During the European
Migration Period, this was a heavily fortified area.
It has been hypothesized that the word
Viking is derived from this name, with the meaning "person/people from the Bay area".
In modern usage, the term
Viken has been revitalized as a description for the district around the
Oslo Fjord, especially the inner bay around
Oslo, including
Asker,
Bærum, and
Oslo.
Vingulmark would historically have been a more precise name.
*
Vingulmark
