Medieval Church & Viking Village Curated with the HISTORY Channel
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Port
Haugesund, Norway
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$179.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover the Viking legacy of Haugesand with the History Channel.
Stretch your imagination during this half-day excursion that offers insight into Norway's history of Viking pillage and plunder, and into the families who stayed behind the front lines to tend the farms and cattle. From around AD 800 to 1066, the people we know as the Vikings raided, conquered and colonized parts of Europe. Yet they lived simple lives when they returned to their rural settlements in Norway.
You'll travel across the Karmsund Bridge that links Norway's mainland to Karmøy Island. Once on the island, enjoy a drive through an other-worldly landscape of verdant forests, heather-clad hills and rolling pastureland en route to Avaldsnes.
Located on the northeastern part of the island, Avaldsnes served as a royal seat for the region's "sea kings" from the late Roman era, thanks to its strategically important position on the straight of Karmsundet. King Harald Fairhair, who ruled as Norway's first king from AD 872 to 930 and is credited for uniting Norway into one kingdom, established his main court in Avaldsnes. The royal estate remained here until about 1450.
Your walk through Viking history begins at St Olav's Church. Construction likely began around AD 1250 by Haakon Haakonson and took some 70 years to complete. The stone church you'll see today is steeped in Viking lore. As you walk about the church, pay special attention to the north wall. Here, you'll find a standing stone called the Virgin Mary's Needle, leaning just inches from the wall. According to legend, the world will end when the approximately 23-foot spire finally touches the wall.
Gain further insight into the world of Vikings at the Nordvegen History Center. Meet Harald Fairhair, who will guide you through 3,500 years of Norwegian history. Learn about the kings who controlled the coast, hear the kings' sagas and old songs, and discover how sorcerers, female warriors and Norse gods played a major role in Viking life.
A different look at Avaldsnes' past greets you at the Viking Farm on Bukkøy Island. Set amid picturesque surroundings, the settlement salutes the farmer — one of the most important members of Viking society. Meander among the replica Viking Age buildings, reconstructed based on archaeological finds, for a sense of life unseen for a millennium.
At the end of this adventure, you'll rejoin your coach and return to the pier.
Notes:
Children under the age of 3 must be secured in a child's car seat on the transportation. These are not available through the tour operator; you must bring your own from home. Tour requires walking about 400 yards at the History Center, walking and standing for about one hour and ten minutes, and approximately 100 yards of walking at the church. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and steps. The reconstructed farm is situated on Bukkøy Island and is about 15 minutes' walk from St Olav's Church on Avaldsnes. Inside church visit(s) may not be possible if religious services are being held. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.