At a Glance
Quick OverviewThe Viking Age (793-1066 CE) transformed Norway from scattered farming communities into a maritime power whose influence stretched from North America to Constantinople. Norwegian Vikings were explorers, traders, farmers, and craftspeople-far more than the raiders of popular imagination.
Today, Norway preserves this heritage through world-class museums housing authentic artefacts, reconstructed settlements offering living history, and archaeological sites where you can walk the same ground as Viking chieftains. Whether you want to see genuine 1,000-year-old ships or sail a reconstructed longship yourself, Norway offers unparalleled Viking experiences.
Viking Museums
Viking Ship Museum (Oslo)
Home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bygd�y, Oslo |
| Ships | Oseberg, Gokstad, Tune |
| Date of Ships | 9th century |
| Status | Open (new museum building planned) |
The Ships:
Oseberg Ship (834 CE):
- Burial ship for two women (one possibly a queen)
- Ornate wood carvings
- Extraordinary grave goods
- Best-preserved Viking ship worldwide
Gokstad Ship (900 CE):
- Seaworthy ocean-going vessel
- Warrior’s grave
- Replicas have crossed the Atlantic
- Demonstrates Viking naval technology
Tune Ship (900 CE):
- Partially preserved
- Similar construction to Gokstad
- Important for comparison
Artefacts:
- Ornate sledges and carts
- Textiles and tapestries
- Tools and household items
- Personal ornaments
Lofotr Viking Museum (Lofoten)
Living history museum featuring a reconstructed chieftain’s longhouse.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Borg, Lofoten Islands |
| Feature | Reconstructed longhouse (83m) |
| Based on | Archaeological excavation |
| Experience | Interactive, living history |
What to Experience:
- Walk through 83-metre reconstructed longhouse
- Sail on reconstructed Viking ship (summer)
- Try archery and axe throwing
- Taste Viking-era food
- Meet costumed interpreters
- View archaeological finds
Why It’s Special: The original Borg chieftain’s hall was the largest Viking building ever discovered. The reconstruction lets you understand the scale and sophistication of Viking elite life.
Book Viking ToursHistorical Museum (Oslo)
Houses the most comprehensive Viking artefact collection.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Oslo |
| Collection | Archaeological artefacts |
| Highlights | Gold, weapons, daily items |
| Part of | Museum of Cultural History |
Must-See Items:
- Viking gold treasures
- Weapons and armour
- Runic inscriptions
- Trade goods from across Europe
- Everyday objects
Midgard Viking Centre (Vestfold)
Focus on the important Borre burial site region.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Horten, Vestfold |
| Focus | Borre royal burial ground |
| Features | Reconstructed buildings, exhibitions |
Experience:
- Learn about Viking kings
- Explore reconstructed farm
- See burial mound area
- Understand daily Viking life
Archaeological Sites
Borre Burial Mounds (Vestfold)
Scandinavia’s largest collection of monumental burial mounds.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Horten, Vestfold |
| Mounds | 7 large + numerous smaller |
| Period | 600-900 CE |
| Status | National Park |
Why Important:
- Royal burial ground
- Spans entire Viking Age
- Connected to Yngling dynasty
- UNESCO tentative list
Visiting:
- Free access to park
- Walking trails amongst mounds
- Midgard Viking Centre nearby
- Atmospheric forest setting
Avaldsnes
Ancient Norwegian royal seat with Viking history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Karm�y island |
| History | Royal seat 2,000+ years |
| Viking significance | Harald Fairhair’s residence |
Highlights:
- Nordvegen History Centre
- Reconstructed Viking farm
- St. Olav’s Church (medieval)
- Monumental stones
Kaupang (Vestfold)
Norway’s first known town-a Viking trading settlement.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Larvik, Vestfold |
| Period | 800-930 CE |
| Type | Trading post (emporium) |
| Status | Archaeological site |
Significance:
- International trade hub
- Evidence of crafts production
- Connections across Viking world
- Important archaeological finds
Oseberg Burial Site
Location where the famous ship was discovered.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | T�nsberg, Vestfold |
| Discovered | 1904 |
| Contents | Now in Viking Ship Museum |
Today:
- Marked mound site
- Information displays
- Evocative setting
- Near other Vestfold sites
Living Viking Experiences
Viking Valley (Gudvangen)
Year-round Viking village with activities and atmosphere.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Gudvangen, Sognefjord |
| Type | Living Viking village |
| Open | Year-round |
| Activities | Hands-on experiences |
What to Do:
- Explore reconstructed village
- Try traditional crafts
- Watch blacksmithing
- Sample Viking food
- Meet “Viking” residents
- Participate in seasonal events
Trondenes Historical Centre
Viking and medieval history near Harstad.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Harstad, Northern Norway |
| Focus | Viking and medieval north |
| Features | Exhibitions, church |
Stiklestad (Trondheim region)
Site of the battle where King Olav II (St. Olav) fell in 1030-marking the end of the Viking Age and Christianisation of Norway.
Significance:
- St. Olav’s Day celebration (29 July)
- Annual historical plays
- Medieval church
- Folk museum
Viking Age History
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 793 | Raid on Lindisfarne (Viking Age begins) |
| c. 872 | Harald Fairhair unifies Norway |
| c. 900 | Vikings settle Iceland |
| c. 985 | Erik the Red settles Greenland |
| c. 1000 | Leif Erikson reaches North America |
| 1030 | Battle of Stiklestad (Christianity) |
| 1066 | Harald Hardrada dies at Stamford Bridge |
Norwegian Vikings’ Reach
West:
- Faroe Islands (settlement)
- Iceland (major settlement)
- Greenland (colonies)
- North America (Vinland)
- British Isles (raids, kingdoms)
- France (Normandy)
East:
- Rus’ (Ukraine, Russia)
- Constantinople (Varangian Guard)
- Trade routes to Byzantium
Daily Life: Most Vikings were farmers, fishermen, and traders living in communities much like those reconstructed at Lofotr and Gudvangen.
Explore Heritage ToursViking Festivals
Major Events
Lofotr Viking Festival (August):
- Location: Borg, Lofoten
- Duration: ~5 days
- Features: Markets, combat, crafts, feasting
- One of Europe’s largest Viking events
T�nsberg Medieval Festival (June):
- Location: T�nsberg
- Focus: Viking and medieval
- Activities: Markets, entertainment, food
Stiklestad Festival (July):
- Location: Stiklestad
- Focus: St. Olav’s Day (29 July)
- Features: Historical drama, markets
Gudvangen Viking Market:
- Location: Gudvangen
- When: Summer months
- Type: Regular market events
What to Expect at Festivals
- Costumed reenactors
- Combat demonstrations
- Traditional crafts
- Period food and drink
- Music and storytelling
- Hands-on activities
- Market stalls
Regional Viking Sites
Vestfold: Viking Heartland
The Vestfold region south of Oslo contains Norway’s richest concentration of Viking sites.
Key Sites:
- Viking Ship Museum ships (found here)
- Borre burial mounds
- Oseberg mound location
- Gokstad mound location
- Kaupang trading post
- Midgard Viking Centre
Why Vestfold:
- Wealthy farming region
- Seat of early Norwegian kings
- Strategic coastal location
- Multiple royal burial sites
Lofoten
Northern outpost with significant Viking remains.
Sites:
- Lofotr Viking Museum (Borg)
- Chieftain’s hall excavation
- Fishing and trading history
- Dramatic landscape setting
Trondheim Region
Important for late Viking Age and Christianisation.
Sites:
- Stiklestad National Cultural Centre
- Trondheim (Nidaros) as medieval capital
- Various burial finds
Practical Information
Planning Your Visit
Best for Authentic Artefacts: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo (+ Historical Museum)
Best for Living History: Lofotr Viking Museum, Lofoten
Best for Festivals: Lofotr Festival (August) or Stiklestad (July)
Best for Archaeological Sites: Vestfold region (Borre, Kaupang, Oseberg)
Getting There
Oslo Museums:
- Central, easily accessible
- Public transport or walk
Vestfold Sites:
- 1-2 hours south of Oslo
- Car recommended
- Combine multiple sites
Lofoten:
- Fly to Bod� or Leknes
- Ferry or drive
- Part of larger Lofoten trip
What to Know
- Most museums open year-round (reduced winter hours)
- Festival season is summer
- Book Lofotr ship sailing in advance
- Outdoor sites accessible anytime
- Combine Viking sites with other attractions
Viking Ships Today
Sailing Replicas
Several seaworthy Viking ship replicas exist:
Draken Harald H�rfagre:
- World’s largest sailing Viking ship
- Ocean-going vessel
- Crossed the Atlantic
- Sometimes in Norway
Myklebust Replica (Sagastad):
- Based on Myklebust ship finds
- Located in Nordfjordeid
- Exhibition and occasional sailing
Lofotr Ships:
- Available for summer sailing
- Book through museum
- Authentic experience
Building Traditions
Some shipyards maintain Viking boatbuilding skills:
- Traditional tools and techniques
- Ongoing research
- Occasionally take apprentices
For Viking Enthusiasts
Deep Dive Recommendations
Books:
- The Vikings by Else Roesdahl
- The Viking World (academic collection)
- Sagas in translation
Extended Itinerary:
| Day | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Oslo | Viking Ship Museum, Historical Museum |
| 3 | Vestfold | Borre, Midgard Centre, Oseberg site |
| 4 | Vestfold | Kaupang, Gokstad area |
| 5-7 | Lofoten | Lofotr Museum, landscapes |
Academic Resources:
- University museums
- Archaeological reports
- Ongoing excavation projects
Final Thoughts
Norway’s Viking heritage is preserved with scholarly care and presented with imagination. From the spine-tingling sight of the Oseberg ship’s perfect curves to the smoky atmosphere of Lofotr’s reconstructed longhouse, you can connect with this era in ways impossible elsewhere.
The Vikings who sailed from Norwegian fjords changed the medieval world. Their ships, their art, their stories, and their adventurous spirit remain tangible in the museums, archaeological sites, and living history experiences that make Norway the essential destination for understanding the Viking Age.
For more Norwegian heritage, see our guides to Oslo Travel Guide, Lofoten Islands Guide, and Norwegian Stave Churches.