Avaldsnes - home to Viking Kings
For 3000 years Vikings and chieftains controlled the strait Nordvegen – the shipping lane that gave Norway its name.
Ever since the time before the Viking Age, Avaldsnes was a place of power. This is where the Vikings ruled the fairway that gave name to Norway – the way north. Around 870 King Harald Fairhair made Avaldsnes his main royal estate, which was to become Norway’s oldest throne.
Today, we still find Olav’s church at Avaldsnes, as well as Nordvegen History Center and the Viking Farm. These are all places of importance for the Vikings and the history of Norway, easily accessible from Haugesund.
Olav’s Church and “Mary’s Needle”
Olav’s Church is made of stone and was built in 1250. This is where the Royal Farm used to be. The area is surrounded by old grave mounds and tall memorial stones from B.C., The most known of these is the memorial stone named “Mary’s Needle”, reaching 7,2 meters above ground.
Nordvegen History Center
Nordvegen History Center is placed just next to the Olav’s Church. Here you’ll learn more about the sovereigns that controlled the coast of Norway from Avaldsnes. Some of them are known from kings’ sagas and old songs. Others are known from archaeology. An audio visual King Harald Hairfair will take you for a journey through the 3 000 years of history at Avaldsnes.
The Viking Farm
The Viking Farm is situated at Bukkøy, a short ten minute long stroll from Nordvegen History Center. The farm is made of reconstructed buildings from the 9th Century. You may wander in traditional environments and experience an atmosphere that brings you immediately back to the Viking Age and the way the Vikings used to live.
By Mette Solberg Fjeldheim
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