Vikinggarden Avaldsnes

About the museum

Vikinggarden lies on a small island, Bukkøy, by Avaldsnes on Karmøy, and is part of Historiske Avaldsnes together with Nordvegen Historiesenter, Olavskirken and the ruins of the royal farm (kongsgårdruinen). The site is a reconstruction showing how the Vikings built and lived around a thousand years ago.

On the farm there is a longhouse, a leidangernaust (a boathouse for the naval levy, leidang), a round house and several smaller buildings. The route there runs from Nordvegen Historiesenter through a cultural landscape with villsau (a Norwegian sheep breed) and house sites from the Viking Age, and the last part of the walk follows paths through forest before the farm comes into view.

In summer Vikinggarden is open to the public, with daily guided tours by the farmwife or farmer (husfrua or husbonden). During the school year the farm is used as a historical outdoor school (leirskole), and it is also used for tours for groups and Viking guilds. Every June the largest Viking festival in Western Norway is held here.

Highlights

• Reconstructed longhouse, leidangernaust and round house
• Daily guided tours with the farmwife or farmer in summer
• Viking festival every June
• Activity booklet, archery and games for children
• Part of Historiske Avaldsnes with a joint ticket

Operated by

Historiske Avaldsnes (Karmøy kommune)

Admission & discounts

Summer prices 2026 (15 June–13 August). The joint ticket gives admission to all venues of Historiske Avaldsnes and to the guided tours. Tickets are bought at Nordvegen Historiesenter (card and cash) or at Vikinggarden (card only).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

Neither the paths nor the buildings are adapted for people with disabilities. Bukkøy can be visited by wheelchair with help down the steep slope, and there is one accessible toilet, but it is difficult to get into the other buildings. The farm can be reached by boat.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area

In summer children can try many games, use the activity booklet “Gøy for barn” (Fun for Children) together with an adult, and learn to shoot with bow and arrow. Families can solve the puzzle “Vikingjakten” (The Viking Hunt), which starts at Nordvegen Historiesenter and leads to Olavskirken and Vikinggarden. Outside Nordvegen is the playground Leikvollen.

Getting there & parking

The walk to Vikinggarden goes on foot from Nordvegen Historiesenter through cultural landscape and forest; the farm can also be reached by boat.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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