Viking Valley

About the museum

Viking Valley lies in Gudvangen at the innermost end of the Nærøyfjord, on the site where a Viking market was traditionally held every summer. A permanent Viking town named Njardarheimr has been built here, which means the home dedicated to the Norse god Njord. Construction began in August 2016, and the first construction phase opened on 31 May 2017. The site is owned by Gudvangen Utvikling AS, a development company owned by local enthusiasts.

The Viking town consists of more than 20 buildings and over 2,000 square metres of built area, and several more are being planned. The houses are based on experience from reconstructions of Viking Age buildings, but adapted to operations and to local materials such as turf and wooden shingles, as found on stave churches. The decoration follows Viking Age styles with its own designs, and ironwork such as door hinges is made by an experienced blacksmith.

The idea is a living cultural-history site, where the Viking Age and the history of the Vikings are conveyed through encounters with the town's residents, without a traditional museum character. Visitors can walk around freely and learn about building traditions, religion, food and crafts, take part in activities such as archery and axe throwing, and try Viking games.

The ticket includes the guided tour “The Viking Experience”, a 45-minute round tour that starts every 30 minutes in the summer season.

Highlights

• The Viking town Njardarheimr with over 20 buildings
• The guided tour The Viking Experience (45 minutes) is included in the ticket
• Activities such as archery, axe throwing and Viking games
• Crafts and lively presentation of building traditions, religion and food
• Location in the Nærøydal valley by the Nærøyfjord

Permanent exhibition

• Vikingbyen Njardarheimr – Reconstructed Viking town with over 20 buildings, where visitors can learn about building traditions, religion, food and crafts and take part in activities.

Founded

2017

Operated by

Gudvangen Utvikling AS

Admission & discounts

Day ticket for adults aged 16 and over. The ticket includes The Viking Experience and the activities in the area “Explore & Learn”; some activities may have a separate charge. Children under 12 cannot enter without a parent or guardian. Group bookings via salg@guas.no.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

Wheelchair access is good throughout the town, and all shows and most activities are accessible by wheelchair, including The Viking Experience tour. The small houses have high thresholds and are not particularly suitable for wheelchairs. An accessible toilet is located at the entrance. Pets are not allowed in the Viking town.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The site suits all ages, including the youngest. There is a family ticket, and activities such as archery, axe throwing and Viking games.

Getting there & parking

Viking Valley is located by the E16 between Flåm and Voss, about 20 km from Flåm.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Viking Diner café and a souvenir shop. Cash machine in the visitor centre.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit