Viking Norway Travel Route

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Embark on an epic journey through Norway's Viking Age with our comprehensive Viking Norway travel route. From the storied burial mounds of the south to the dramatic landscapes of the north, this route unveils the heart of Viking history and culture.

Explore ancient ships, reconstructed villages, and pivotal battle sites, tracing the footsteps of these legendary seafarers. Discover immersive museums and living history experiences, and witness the architectural marvels of stave churches that bridge the Viking era with the rise of Christianity.

This guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of Viking Norway, offering a curated itinerary that blends historical landmarks with cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through time.

Interior of Viking Ship Museum with Oseberg ship displayed in center under arched ceiling.

©Johan Berge - VisitNorway.com

Viking Norway travel route

Southern Norway:

  1. The Viking Ship Museum (Oslo) & The National Museum (Oslo): See preserved ships and artifacts.

  2. The Viking Planet (Oslo): Experience a modern, immersive Viking experience with virtual reality and exhibits. Located at Fridtjof Nansens plass 4, 0160 Oslo, and is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00

  3. Midgard Viking Centre (Horten): Explore and experience the Viking Age at Midgard Viking Centre

  4. Kaupang Viking Town (Larvik): Explore the remains of one of Scandinavia's earliest urban sites. Located at Kaupangveien 276, 3260 Tjodalyng. Open every day except Monday, from 10:00 to 17:00, between June 22nd and September 1st.

  5. The Slottsfjell Museum (Tønsberg): Explore Viking Age findings and the history of Tønsberg, Norway's oldest town.

  6. Sword in Rock (Stavanger): Experience the iconic Swords in Rock monument commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord.

  7. Avaldsnes (Karmøy): Explore a Viking power center and maritime history. This location includes:

©Simen Sørhaug/visitvestfold.com

Wooden sculptures of bearded warrior faces on tree stumps in an outdoor setting, near a modern building.
Three large stone swords monument, Sverd i fjell, standing on a rocky shore by a calm lake under a starry night sky, city lights reflecting on the water.

Central Norway:

  1. Stiklestad (Verdal, Trøndelag):

    • Visit the site of the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, a pivotal moment in Norwegian history.

    • Experience the annual battle re-enactment in July, bringing this historical event to life.

    • Participate in the traditional celebration of Olsok, a festival commemorating Saint Olav and his legacy.

©Richard Larssen - VisitNorway.com

Interior of a Viking-style hall with a man carving wood. He sits on a wooden bench with fur coverings, surrounded by rustic decor and a large table filled with food and drink. Norse idols and hanging decor in the background add to the historical ambiance.

©Marius Rua/Buckethaus-Visit Innherred

Northern Norway:

  1. Trondones Historical Center (Harstad): Discover Viking-era artifacts and regional history.

  2. Lofotr Viking Museum (Lofoten Islands): Experience Viking life in the northern regions.

    • Lofotr Viking Museum five-day Viking festival

Person dressed as a Viking on horseback holding an axe, standing in front of a traditional wooden building in a snowy landscape.

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Architectural legacy of the Viking era and the transition to Christianity

Why not spend some time visiting Norwegian Stave Churches. These stave churches provide a fascinating look at the architectural legacy of the Viking era and the transition to Christianity.

  1. Fantoft Stave Church (Bergen): A reconstructed stave church showcasing Viking-era woodworking and architectural traditions.

  2. Urnes Stave Church (Luster): A UNESCO-listed stave church, representing the transition from Viking to Christian culture with its unique blend of styles.

A wooden stave church surrounded by bare trees in an autumnal forest, set against a cloudy sky.

©Espen Bakketun - www.visitbergen.com

Historic wooden stave church surrounded by trees and a cemetery, located near a blue lake and mountains.

©Per Eide - VisitNorway.com