Sagastad

About the museum

Sagastad is the West Norwegian knowledge centre on the Viking Age and is located in the centre of Nordfjordeid by the Eidsfjord. Nordfjordeid was a central place in the Viking Age and the seat of chieftains of Firdafylket. Here one of the country’s richest and most spectacular Viking graves was found, with the burnt remains of the enormous Myklebust ship, which is regarded as one of the largest Viking ships. The finds form the basis of the story told at the centre.

The centre opened on 10 May 2019 and is academically anchored in cooperation with the University of Bergen and Middelalderklynga (the Medieval Cluster). The building follows a single-space principle in which the circular room has the same diameter as the circular Viking grave. The façades are of glass with an external wall of wooden slats (spilevegg), and all the timber is black-stained in reference to the burnt boat. The architect was Arild Wåge of Nordplan, and the building was completed in 2019.

In the centre of the room lies the Myklebust ship, surrounded by an exhibition with 16 stations and a separate cinema room. The exhibition tells of everyday life in the Viking Age, of the finds from Myklebust and of the ship and its journeys out into the world. Visitors can, among other things, go on board the ship, use VR glasses, watch the 20-minute film “A viking burial” and study finds in 3D on touch screens. The centre also has a museum shop and hosts concerts and lectures.

Highlights

• The Myklebust ship, 30 metres long
• Exhibition with 16 stations and a separate cinema room
• VR experience of Nordfjordeid in the Viking Age
• Finds from Myklebust in 3D
• The 20-minute film “A viking burial”

Permanent exhibitions

• Myklebustskipet – The 30-metre Viking ship from Nordfjordeid, which visitors can go on board.
• Utstillingen med 16 stasjoner – Interactive exhibition on everyday life in the Viking Age, the Myklebust finds and the ship’s journeys out into the world.
• VR – den digitale vikingbyen – Experience with VR glasses in which visitors explore what Nordfjordeid may have looked like in the Viking Age.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Sagastad Drift AS

Admission & discounts

Prices 2026–2027. The adult ticket applies from the age of 16. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before the centre closes. Press and influencers must arrange their visit in advance.

Accessibility

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

The centre is on ground level, and almost the whole exhibition is on this level, with an accessible (HC) toilet and accessible (HC) parking. Up to the platform with access to the Myklebust ship there are stairs and a ramp, but the ramp is too steep to be recommended for wheelchair users. Service dogs are permitted on presentation of written proof.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Colouring for children, interactive stations, VR and Viking chess (Hnefatafl). Changing table in the accessible toilet. Pushchairs can be brought inside, and food and milk can be warmed in the microwave on request. Nearby is Sagaparken with a playground and its own sandy beach.

Getting there & parking

The nearest airports are Anda (Sandane Airport), about 30 minutes from Nordfjordeid, and Hovden (Ørsta-Volda Airport), about 1 hour away.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi with good capacity throughout the building; the code is obtained at the centre. Museum shop with a Viking theme, books, jewellery and souvenirs. Power for PCs in the auditorium.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre has opportunities for companies, concerts, lectures and other events; contact post@sagastad.no.

Plan your visit