Culture and history
Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes is a village of great historical importance, on the island of Karmøy just off Haugesund. Avaldsnes may be best known as the main seat of the Viking and first King of Norway, Harald Fairhair. However, kings and chieftains lived at Avaldsnes for thousands of years, all the way back to the early Bronze Age and throughout the Viking Age.
Power centre
Avaldsnes was a power centre from the early Bronze Age and into the High Middle Ages. Its strategic location on the Karmsundet sound made it a natural place for chieftains and kings to live. It was easy to get out into the world from here, and they could keep an eye on the ships that sailed along the coast of Norway.
Birthplace of Norway
This shipping lane, which is now called Karmsundet sound, was known as Norðrvegr – Nordvegen – the way to the north, and has given Norway its name, making it Norway’s birthplace. For thousands of years, Avaldsnes was a power centre for princes, chieftains, Viking kings and later kings of the land. This is where Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, had his royal seat.
Viking experiences
If you visit Avaldsnes today, you will experience a historic area where you can visit a reconstructed Viking farm, a great history centre and one of Norway’s biggest medieval churches. There are also traces from pre-Christian times, the Hanseatic merchants and the ruins of a royal estate dating from the Middle Ages.
More top attractions near Avaldsnes can be found here
Inspiration for Avaldsnes
Activities near Avaldsnes
Culture
The Viking farm at Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
The Viking Farm is situated on a small island about a 20 minute walk from Nordvegen History Centre, which takes you through a fantastic cultural landscape.
Culture
Nordvegen History Centre
Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes is home to the Nordvegen History Centre, St. Olav’s Church and the Viking Farm. Explore the cultural landscape on your own or join a guided tour.
Culture
St. Olav's church at Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
St. Olav's Church is situated next to Nordvegen History Centre at Avaldsnes. It is strategically positioned on a hilltop, from where it was easy to watch over ships travelling through the Karmsundet strait.
Sightseeing
A digital journey through time at Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
Experience Karmøy's fascinating history with the Tilbakeblikk app! Travel back in time with interactive scenes and characters that give you a taste of the different eras and historical events, and how myths came into being.
Culture
Burial Mounds at Rehaugane
Avaldsnes
What is often referred to as Norway's largest monument from the Bronze age is to be found a kilometre from St. Olav's Church at Avaldsnes.
Culture
Nordvegen History Centre
Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes is home to the Nordvegen History Centre, St. Olav’s Church and the Viking Farm. Explore the cultural landscape on your own or join a guided tour.
Culture
Pilgrimage to St. Olav`s church - a part of the Coastal Pilgrimage Route, Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes is the regional center for the Coastal Pilgrimage Route «Kystpilegrimsleia» that extends from Egersund to Trondheim. A spectacular and beautiful journey along the coast with fjords, islands, islets, and skerries - a saga from Viking to pilgrim.
Sightseeing
In the Homeland of the Vikings with GuideCompaniet
Avaldsnes
Travel back to the age of the Vikings and discover what life was really like back in the day. Catch a glimpse inside the Viking kingdom and experience the creation of the kingdom of Norway.
Culture
St. Olav's church at Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
St. Olav's Church is situated next to Nordvegen History Centre at Avaldsnes. It is strategically positioned on a hilltop, from where it was easy to watch over ships travelling through the Karmsundet strait.
Sightseeing
A digital journey through time at Rehaugane
Avaldsnes
Experience Karmøy's fascinating history with the Tilbakeblikk app! Travel back in time with interactive scenes and characters that give you a taste of the different eras and historical events, and how myths came into being.
Sightseeing
Viking treasure hunt at Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes
Did you know that Avaldsnes is Norway’s oldest royal estate? Or that kings lived at Avaldsnes for 1000 years? Join us on an exciting journey back to the Viking Age and hunt for traces from the world of the Vikings.
Adventure parks and animals
Avaldsnes Leikvoll
Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes Leikvoll is a playground at Avaldsnes, Norway's oldest royal seat. This is a special park that has both artistic qualities and invites to play and learning.
How to get here
Would you like advice or tips on how to get to Haugesund and Haugalandet, or see how easy it is to get around Haugalandet using public transport? Here we have gathered information about transport to and around Haugesund.
How to get to HaugesundPlan your visit to Avaldsnes
Food and drink
Historiske Avaldsnes Selskapslokaler
Avaldsnes
Team building, corporate events, anniversaries, parties, confirmations or weddings at Nordvegen Historiesenter or the authentic Viking farm at Avaldsnes?
Accommodation
Høyevarde Fyrhotell on Karmøy
Karmøy
When you rent Høyevarde Fyrhotell lighthouse hotel, you get the whole place to yourself – either for a day, or with an overnight stay in the lighthouse.
Transport
Haugesund Airport Karmøy
Helganes
Haugesund Airport Karmøy is located about 15 minutes from the centre of Haugesund, with flights to Oslo, Bergen, Malaga, Gdansk and Alicante.
Interested in Viking history?
Giske & Alnes
Experience life along the coast of Sunnmøre at close range, just as fascinating in summer and winter alike. Getting to Giske is easy, as is getting to other historic coastal destinations like Ålesund, Ona and Runde.
Gudvangen
Gudvangen is a small fjord village in the heart of the beautiful Nærøyfjord and is surrounded by high mighty mountains and a beautiful fjord landscape. Directly from Gudvangen you look out over the fjord which has been named by several foreign media "The world's most beautiful and spectacular fjord, UNESCO Nærøyfjorden".