Vikings in Iberia
The first incursion of the Vikings in Iberia has been characterised as 'probably the most significant episode of the whole period of Viking activity in the South'. It is mentioned in "Annales Bertiniani", and dated August 844, when a group from a plundering expedition entered the Garonne and reached Galicia. Despite storm damage, some proceeded to South-West Spain. This account is consistent with several later, but independent sources in Latin and Arabic. In particular, the late ninth- or early tenth-century "Chronicle of Alfonso III" adds that after plundering a number of coastal villages they were ultimately repulsed in the vicinity of "Farum Brecantium" (i.e. the Tower of Hercules). Ramiro I of Asturias gathered troops in Galicia and Asturia for the counter-attack. After the Asturian victory, the Vikings continued their voyage in direction of Lisbon. While some authors consider that the reliability of this chronicle is open to doubt, others consider that other local chronicles confirm the arrival of the Norsemen.
TIF Viking
It was founded on 17 May 1892 as "IK Viking", but later changed their name. The club had its heyday before and around World War II. Its indoor arena, Vikinghallen, was erected in 1935 and to this day generates most of the club's income. Its outdoor arena and home ground is Skansemyren. Many international athletes represented the club, including Harald Stenerud, Olaf Strand, John Systad and Odd Rasdal. In the 2000s, race walker Trond Nymark became the club's most prominent member.