Avaldsnes - The Vikings and Norway’s oldest throne

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 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 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

By Mette Solberg Fjeldheim