Surrounded by the mountains and the sea, and experiencing a contemporary cultural boom, Oslo is the perfect spot to begin your Viking adventure. Here you will find the world-renowned Viking Ship Museum.

Vikings were experts in water transportation, both on their native fjords, which stretched for great distances into the heart of Norway, and in longships, light, narrow wooden boats capable of traversing the seas. At the Viking Ship

Museum you will be able to view three incredibly well preserved Viking ships: Tune, Oseberg and Gokstad. All three were originally ocean-going boats before being hauled onto dry land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. Along with the boats themselves you can also view preserved skeletons, beautiful woodcarvings and other fascinating everyday and religious artifacts.

In April, the Museum will be expanding with a brand new attraction. Like stepping into a ‘Viking history bubble’, this wraparound animated experience will bring history to life by following the tale of a Viking ship from the time it is built until its journey ends as a burial tomb.

Contact: www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/index.html  or +(47) 22851900

Hours: 1 May – 30 September: 9am-6pm (closed 1 January); 1 October – 30 April: 10am-4pm

Stiklestad, the location of the great 11th century Battle of Stiklestad, is one of the most important historical sites in all of Norway. In fact, historians believe this is the site where modern Norway became possible, with the Battle marking the passage between the Viking and the medieval eras, and the transition from paganism to Christianity. Its impact still resonates with Norwegians today.

The site is laid out like a sprawling theme park, most of which you can visit for free. Here you can find the original 12th century Stiklestad church, an outdoor folk museum and, of course, exhibits about the battle itself. You can also experience the working medieval farm of Stiklastadir.

Align your visit with the St. Olav Days at the end of July, which commemorate and dramatise the events before and after the historic battle. During this festival you can see concerts, watch plays, take guided tours, attend lectures and take part in excursions and activities for the entire family. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the final days of Norway’s fascinating Viking age than a visit to Stiklestad.

Contact: https://stiklestad.no/english/ or +74 04 42 00

Price: vary, information available at https://stiklestad.no/ 

A trip north to Norway’s untamed Lofoten Islands is a trip back in time. The islands lie far above the Arctic Circle across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea. These islands form a rare wilderness outpost of towering mountain peaks, deep blue-black fjords, raucous seabird colonies and wind-swept beaches. It is a place to find unforgettable nature experiences, but it also has a strong connection to the Viking Age.

The Lofotr Viking Museum, located 14 kilometres north of Leknes on the Lofoten Islands, offers a rare glimpse into life during Viking times. Here you can walk over 1.5 kilometres of trails, traversing grassy hilltops from the dwelling of a powerful Viking chieftain, to a historically accurate Viking ship sheltered on the water. The authentically dressed museum guides offer insights into the lives of the Viking people, while artisans demonstrate Viking trades. This is an incredible experience for adults and kids alike.

In early August the museum also hosts a Viking Festival where you can participate in a Viking feast of Lofoten lamb and honey wine and be entertained by Viking performers. You can also try your hand at rowing a longship, throwing an ax and shooting bows and arrows. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscape of the Lofoten Islands, Viking history truly comes alive.

Contact: www.lofotr.no  or +76 15 40 00

Hours: 10am-7pm June – mid-August, shorter hours rest of year

Price: Guided tour mid-June – August, 200/150kr, rest of year 170/130kr

This historical site is the largest Viking graveyard in Northern Europe and boasts some of the most significant discoveries from the Viking Age. Between AD 600 and AD 900 nine great burial mounds were constructed at Borre, though two of these mounds have been destroyed in modern times. There are also over 21 smaller burial mounds, and at least 25 cairns. These monuments to the dead are evidence that the area was a center of political power and the place where Viking leaders were buried to show their importance and to honour them after death.

Investigations into the burial sites show that at least some of the graves contain richly equipped Viking ships holding weapons, riding equipment and an incredibly varied amount of craftwork. This craftwork was done in what has become known as the Borre style, recognisable by its intricate animal and knot ornaments.

The Midgard Historical Center at Borre was opened in 2000 and is part of the Vestford Museum. It provides exhibitions and guided tours of Borre National Park, the barrow mounds and the medieval church at Borre, as well as a reconstruction of a unique mead hall, the original imprints of which were discovered in 2007 by archaeologists working on site.
Don’t forget to walk the beautiful grounds of the park itself. Local folklore holds that in the early mornings you can hear the elves play ‘The Fiddler’s Mount’ on the vicarage field.

Contact: http://midgardsenteret.no/en/  or +33 07 18 50
Hours: 16 October – 30 April, Sun 11am–4pm; 1 May – 31 August, Daily 11am–4pm; 1 September – 15 October, Sat and Sun 11am-4pm

The tiny picturesque village of Gudvangen is worth a visit for many reasons, not the least of which is its location at the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Considered the wildest and most beautiful branch of the Sognefjord, the Nærøyfjord showcases sheer, snow-topped mountains, pristine waterfalls and idyllic farms clinging precariously to its steep slopes. The passage through Nærøyfjord is one of the most dramatic fjord trips in Europe, and a great way to experience travel as the Vikings would have.

Gudvangen itself has a long tradition of arranging an annual Viking market. More accurately described as an international festival with participants from many different countries, the Viking market is a five-day celebration of traditional life in the 800s. In 2017, a permanent Viking village called Njardarheimr also opened in Gudvangen. It is the largest Viking village in the world, with authentic buildings and a working harbour and with a resident population of modern Viking enthusiasts who work as craftsmen, shipbuilders and in other historical activities of Viking life. This is a wonderful, magical way to truly live a Viking experience.

Contact: www.uk.vikingvalley.no  or +47 462 45 462
Hours: May 1 – October 21, 10am-6pm every day
Prices: Adults NOK 195, Children NOK 98