'Viken' () is a historical
district surrounding the
Oslofjord in southeastern
Norway. The cultural hub is centred in
Oslo, but the capital of the region was formerly at
Borre. It comprises the historical provinces of
Vestfold,
Østfold,
Ranrike,
Vingulmark and
BÃ¥huslen. During the European
Migration Period, this was a heavily fortified area.
The word "viking" is derived from this placename, meaning "person from Viken". Originally "viking" was only the word for persons from this area, it's only in the last few centuries that it has gotten the broader meaning of being a name for early medieval Scandinavians in general.