Explore The Viking in You!

From year 793-1066 Norwegian Vikings voyaged, explored and invaded centuries across Europe.

Traces of powerful the role they played in Norway’s history can still be seen in many parts of the country – and now you can experience it when you join us for Gym for Life 2017!

Vestfold is full of history from the Viking age. Bring your friends and family and visit for exempel:

Oseberghaugen – The Royal mound in Tønsberg – Queen’s grave:

Archaeological excavations in 1904 uncovered history’s largest and richest example of craftmanship from the Viking Ages.

The beautiful 21,5 m long Oseberg ship, Oseberg carriage, five beautifully carved bed-posts shaped like animal heads, four sledges, beds, chests, weaving-frames, household utensils and much more.

For a long time it was thought that this was the grave of Queen Åsa, grandmother of King Harald Hairfair. Scientific examinations in 1992 now date the buriel to 834 AD, and indicate that it is Queen Alvhild, who was the first wife of King Gudrød, who lies buried here.

The barrow, 40 m in diameter, was restored in 1947. A newly opened path along the Velle creek has posts which inform of the excavation. A copy of the beautifully carved bow of the ship can be seen in front of the Vestfold County Museum.

Kaupang Viking Town:

Kaupang was founded around the year 800. The location was significant when the town was established as a hub for trade and production.

At Kaupang today there is built a Viking house like they think it could have been. You can also see a model of the town and get to know how the town was located.

Archaeological excavation of children. Stories, archery and games. Try the tasteful Kaupang soup cooked in iron pot, like the Kaupang residents may have done it. The bread will be made over the fire.

Many have dug and researched Kaupang from the 1800s until now. Most of the city is still not excavated. In the exhibition «What Kaupang Earth hid» you get an insight into how archaeologists worked, what they did and what we know about Kaupang history today.

Godstad Mound:

The famous Gokstad Viking longship was excavated in 1880 and gave a reliable picture of what a Viking longship would have looked liked. The Gokstad mound was reopened in 2007 and new investigations were carried out on the grave.

The grave was previously believed to be that of Olav Geirstad-Alv, half-brother of Halvdan Svarte. However, recent discoveries have increased the uncertainty surrounding this version of history. It is therefore still uncertain who was buried in the Gokstad mound. 

For more information:
http://www.visitvestfold.com/en/see-and-do/attractions/cultural-heritage/