Middelaldermuseet

About the museum

By Borgundfjorden in Ålesund, where the skrei (Atlantic cod) comes in every year to spawn, lay the medieval town of Borgund. In the Viking Age Borgund was a market place that became ever more important to the people of Sunnmøre, and by the middle of the 12th century the place had grown into a small town, the kaupstaden (market town) Borgund. In the Middle Ages it was the largest town between Bergen and Trondheim.

The king usually kept a protective hand over Norway's towns, but in Borgund it was different: the magnates at Giske were among the richest men in the country and protected the town and its trade. Borgund was also the largest church centre between Bergen and Nidaros. Written sources mention four churches, and the location of three of them is known. On the headland facing Borgundfjorden the remains of Margaretakyrkja, probably from the 12th century, still survive.

Today little of the town is visible above ground, but over the past eighty years archaeologists have uncovered what Borgund looked like. Middelaldermuseet is built over the archaeological finds, and visitors see the remains as they were found, an animated film about how the town probably looked, and a number of objects, among them the Borgundnåla (Borgund pin), copies of which are sold in the museum shop. The museum is run by Viti together with Sunnmøre museum.

Highlights

• Remains of the medieval town of Borgund as they were found
• Animated film about how the town probably looked
• The Borgundnåla and other archaeological finds
• Margaretakyrkja from the 12th century on the headland
• Herb garden at the museum
• Universal access to the exhibition

Permanent exhibition

• Borgund – byen i havlandet (900–1600) – Exhibition of the archaeological finds from the medieval town of Borgund, with objects and an animated film.

Operated by

Viti

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes admission to Sunnmøre museum. Separate prices apply to events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Middelaldermuseet has universal access to the exhibition and the lecture hall, as well as an accessible toilet.

Kids & families

Children enter free. The game “Spelet om middelalderbyen Borgund” is a programme for school classes.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located by Borgundfjorden in Borgundgavlen, near Sunnmøre museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with copies of the Borgundnåla.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The education room is rented out as a venue for functions.

Plan your visit