Viking sites in Norway are among the oldest in the world. As we see viking history trickle back into pop culture, more and more people are gaining interest in the Viking Age. And they should! Vikings were incredible farmers, artists, craftsman, seafarers, storytellers and warriors of legend. They were responsible for settling coastlines from Great Britain to America and various areas throughout Scandinavia and Europe. And with the History Channel’s fourth season of the hit history-based drama series, Vikings on its way, many have fallen in love with the intrepid age of shield maidens and warriors.
“At some point you realize that there’s a lot more to the mythology and history. It’s about a philosophy as much as anything else,” says Peersen. “You start discovering the nuances and appreciating the things that are more … subtle. The beautiful things.”
-Ivar Peersen, co-founder and guitarist in the Norwegian “Viking metal” band Enslaved.
Norway the Destination
Move Norway to the top of your bucket list. There is no other place on earth like it. Once visit to this eco friendly country and you’ll understand why Norse legends were grown here. Breathtaking landscapes and otherworldly vistas will capture your memory for a lifetime. There’s something for every bit of traveler in you in Norway. Whether it’s dining, shopping, exploring nature or cruising along incredible fjords. Norway is a place where everyone leaves happy. Here are some incredible Viking heritage sites in Norway for you to add to your bucket list of adventures.
Viking Sites in Norway
#1 Lofotr Museum in the Lofoten Islands
In the Iron Age, 10-15 Chieftans held seats in northern Norway. One of these seats were at Borg in Lofoten and is the only place where the Chieftan’s home was actually found. In the History Channel’s series, Vikings you can see this type of home (long house) realized as Ragnar Lothbrok’s home. Just like Ragnar’s home there are several rooms consisting of living quarters, gildhall (dining hall) and an animal stable which has been transformed into an exhibition room sharing Norse Mythology noted as the Viking’s belief system.
#2 Stiklestad Cultural Center, outside Trondheim
It is here where Norway’s most historic battle, the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, took place and became the most important marker as the country’s transition from paganism to Christianity. At the end of July you can experience “St. Olav Days at Stiklestad” with its concerts, plays, guided tours, lectures, excursions and activities for the whole family. During St. Olav Days is the St. Olav Drama which depicts the events before and after the historic battle.
#3 Trondenes Historical Center, Harstad
Located in a heritage rich landscape echoing the Viking era, Middle Ages and World War II, the Trondenes Historical Center offers an exhibition of multimedia, featuring vision, music, light and smell.
#4 Viking Swords Monument, Stavagner
Commanding the attention of most everyone at Hafrsfjord are the Three Swords in Stone monument. This towering monument commemorates the legendary Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, after which Viking King Harald Fair Hair united the three districts of Norway into one kingdom. Of all the Viking sites this is one you’d want to visit in the afternoon. Fewer people and better photos.
#5 Historical Borre at Borrehaugene, Horten
This is the largest Viking graveyard of Scandinavia with significant discoveries from ancient times. The Midgard Canter has information on the barrows and graves. Local folklore tells that early in the mornings you can hear the elves play on “The Fiddler’s Mound” on the vicarage field.
#6 Viking Ship Museum, Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum presents Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. It houses an incredible collection of artifacts and information on the Viking Age. It also displays the world’s two best-preserved Viking long ships from the 9th Century. This is probably one of the most popular Viking sites in Norway.
#7 The Viking City Kaupang, Larvik
The first city in Norway was located at Kaupang and was established around year 800. Many skilled craftsmen did business here with visitors from near and far.
#8 Bronseplassen, Lillesand
This Viking site is a reconstructed settlement from the Viking Bronze Age. It’s known for its fertility labyrinth, archery and story-telling.

The Norwegian History Center at Avaldsnes is very interactive for kids with games, a classroom, and a fun audio tour with movies. Here The Little is checking out Viking Age artifacts.
#9 Avaldsnes, Haugesund
Once the seat of the highest Viking Kings of Norway, Avaldsnes is a pristine Viking settlement surrounded by breathtaking landscape that even in the bitter cold remains green. Perhaps it’s Thor, said to have walked along the shores here, which keeps this place so magical. This site is just a 10-minute walk from the historic St. Olav’s Church. Here you can see just how the Vikings lived from day to day. In the Norwegian History Center there is an incredible permanent show on Vikings and their ancestors, inclusive of their beliefs which we now know as Norse Mythology. Of all the Viking sites I’ve explored this is one of my favorites.

A replica of King Fairhair and his Queen Gyda. The unification of Norway is thought to have been founded on their love story as she refused him until he was “King over all of Norway”. He took a vow not to cut or comb his hair until it was so. He succeeded and is known as the 1st King of Norway!

The beautiful untouched landscapes of Avaldsnes. The round entrance was built to symbolize Mime’s Well, the source of all knowledge and wisdom in Norse mythology.
#10 Kvernes Kirkeomrade, Averoy
This museum and ancient burial ground span 4,000 years of Norwegian history. The church and cemetery here are still in use.
The Viking Age left more than legends in its wake. With more and more discoveries of Viking artifacts, we continue to understand how they lived. And with an incredible drama series like the History Channel’s Vikings, we are able to realize this dramatic era more than ever before. Add Viking sites to your bucket list of epic adventures to be had, it’s one you won’t regret.

Special moment for us on the Fjord Cruise to Flam. Just loving life and appreciating this amazing world.
Fascinating, always. I am contemplating a Viking- Celt themed journey, from Newfoundland, through Iceland and Scandinavia, to Iberia, in 2018.
Have you planned your trip? Might see you over there somewhere!!?? 🙂
Here is my take on The Vinland Sagas’ “Bjarni sights (Newfound) land to the west” – https://lavalhallalujah.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/bjarni-sights-newfound-land-to-the-west
Nice article, but you failed to include all the woderful viking festivals all over Norway during the summer. Were the public can see craftsmen at work, swordbattles, games, clothing and taste autentic vikingfood
Had to pick 10! 🙁 but I did mention the St. Olav Days! That’s a big one!
Norway sounds amazing. I would love to get there someday. The vikings were fascinating!
Okay, officially adding this to my travel list! All of it! I’m not much of a history buff myself but if it intrigues me enough I could spend hours learning about things and Vikings definitely intrigue me 🙂
This show is pretty awesome. I love the mix of drama and action and all of that. And I learned so much about the Vikings too. These are great, I would love to see these places someday!
That vikings was really looks interesting. I love to go there if i have a chance
WOW! I love Viking stuff- I think it’s fascinating, and I LOVE this post – so full of great info!
This is absolutely amazing! i would love to go there it was an amazing place
I am amazed with the craftsmanship of the Viking ships! Love the detailed carvings! It is not only beautiful but it is sea worthy too! I would love to visit these places someday!
Love this! The pictures are awesome, almost makes me want to travel to each location.
NOt terribly hard to do when you think of the size of Norway. A Eurail pass and a few beautiful bus rides would make it happen!
[…] History Channel we are excited to announce that we’ll be featuring a new place of the many Viking Heritage and Cultural sites in Norway every Thursday night after the 10p EST airing of Vikings! So be sure to check back, subscribe and […]
My husband is a Vikings fan! I must tell him of these places!
Those museums look awesome! I’ve never been to norway but I love the vikings history. The things that they made are so beautiful!
[…] 10 Amazing Viking Sites in Norway Reportasje: «..You Must Visit If You’re a Vikings Fan. Move Norway to the top of your bucket list.» Kilde: thefairytaletraveler.com. […]
[…] trip to Norway is complete without a visit to some monumental Viking sites from The Fairy Tale […]
As a Welsh Celto origins being from Anglesey or the Viking name, “Ongel’s Eia” , I readily recognize my Scandinavian Family and all the Northern familiars that validate our common bond.
BE careful on your tour selection, of which there are three. Expect, that the bus or transportation will be late and/or crowded
as in 5 peeps to a four seated vehic. Lateness from one stop to the next, missing your next tour event. If you can take that and simply relax – go for it! I went thrice – and the third on my own in a rental and that is the only way to go.
Hi, there, interesting blog and I would like to share my favorite places in Norway:
Alesund
Svalbard
Stavanger
Western Fjords
Bergen
Where is Alesund? I’ve been to all the other places except Svalbard… Thank you for the kind words too 😉
[…] of Vikings, Christa of The Fairytale Traveler shares 10 amazing Viking sites in Norway that anyone who is fascinated by Vikings would find […]
I am currently planning my trip to Norway for the very end of August to the beginning of September. I can’t change my dates, and I’m running into problems with museums limiting activities by the middle or end of August. The biggest thing I want to do is row a longship! But Avaldnes and even Lofetr museum may be done with that by then. Can you help with choosing the absolute best museums or sites to visit if activities are limited? Aside from the ship museum in Oslo which is already on my list. Thank you in advance.
If you would like to contact me directly you can. Let me know exactly where you are going to be and I’ll look into this for you 😉