Nordvegen Historiesenter

About the museum

Nordvegen Historiesenter is located at Avaldsnes on Karmøy, a place that was a royal seat for over a thousand years. The centre was opened by Queen Sonja on 29 April 2005 and was designed by the architectural practice Telje-Torp-Aasen. Out of consideration for the medieval church and the historic cultural landscape, most of the building has been placed underground. From the Karmsund strait you see the glass and concrete façade, and from the church plateau only the round entrance, which symbolises Mímir's well, the source of knowledge in Norse mythology.

In the exhibition visitors meet the Viking king Harald Hårfagre (Harald Fairhair), who presents the rulers who governed the Norwegian coast from Avaldsnes, both before and after his time. Some of them are known from the kings' sagas, the legendary sagas and old poems, others from archaeology. In the history centre visitors enter a magical world of seiðmen, shield maidens and Norse gods, and can dress up as a Viking or a knight, play hnefatafl and solve the puzzle “Vikingjakten”.

The centre is part of Historiske Avaldsnes, which also includes Vikinggarden, Olavskirken, the ruins of the royal manor and the pilgrim centre. Admission tickets to the attractions are bought at Nordvegen Historiesenter, and right by the centre is Leikvoll, a place to catch your breath on the hillside with a view over Nordvegen.

Highlights

• Exhibition with the Viking king Harald Hårfagre and the rulers of Avaldsnes
• Building underground, with an entrance shaped like Mímir's well
• Dress up as a Viking, play hnefatafl and solve the Vikingjakten puzzle
• Café and the playground Leikvoll right by the centre
• Ticket to Vikinggarden, Olavskirken and the royal estate ruins this summer

Permanent exhibition

• Vikingkongen Hårfagre – Exhibition in which Harald Hårfagre presents the rulers who controlled the Norwegian coast from Avaldsnes, with seiðmen, shield maidens and Norse gods.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Karmøy kommune – Historiske Avaldsnes

Admission & discounts

The standard price applies only to admission to Nordvegen. Tickets can be bought on arrival by card or cash.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Visitors can dress up as a Viking or a knight, play hnefatafl and solve the puzzle Vikingjakten. Leikvoll is right next to the centre.

Getting there & parking

Avaldsnes is about a 10-minute drive from Haugesund. From Bergen and Stavanger, follow the E39.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Nordvegen café.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit