Lofotr Viking Museum, Vestvågøy, Norway

The Lofotr Viking Museum is a historical museum based on a reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a Viking chieftain's village on the island of Vestvågøya. In 1983, archaeologists uncovered the Chieftain House at Borg, a large Viking Era building believed to have been already established around the year 500 AD. A joint Scandinavian research project was conducted at Borg from 1986 until 1989. Excavations revealed the largest building ever to be found from the Viking period in Norway. The foundation of the Chieftain House at Borg measured 83 metres long and 9 metres high. The seat at Borg is estimated to have been abandoned around AD 950.

After the excavation ended, the remains of what had once been the long-house remained visible. The long-house has been reconstructed slightly to the north of the excavation site. In 1995, the Lofotr Viking Museum was opened. The museum includes a full reconstruction of the 83-metre long chieftain's house, a blacksmith's forge, two ships (replicas of the Gokstad ship, one in full scale size) and their boathouses, and various reenactments intended to immerse the visitor in life at the time of the Vikings. The main building was designed by Norwegian architect, Gisle Jakhelln.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Prestegårdsveien 4, Vestvågøy, Norway

See all sites in Vestvågøy

Details

Founded: 500 - 950 AD
Category: Museums in Norway

More Information

www.lofotr.no
en.wikipedia.org
www.visitnorway.com

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Joseph Mustacchio (6 months ago)
Family friendly museum, cool displays also have food court and gift shop

Ulf Ronneberger (9 months ago)
We joined the Viking Tour of the HURTIGRUTEN. It was funny and entertaining. The food was overwhelmingly good. On top we had northern lights. Great.

Nattapol T (10 months ago)
The movie is hard to understand for me and it is also not to get attention enough. Every showing items are well preserved. The table sets in the middle of buildings sure great nice and fresh. Decorating with Christmas tree.

Surupa Chaki (13 months ago)
Absolutely wonderful. In a natural set up the museum is surrounded by woods mountain river and plenty of greenery. You have it all. The main hall have basic amenities, box office and souvenir shop. There are display and demonstration in great wood hall. Viking ship sails frequently at the harbour across the woods. Amazing experience for the whole family.

Ove Lindahl (14 months ago)
A really great museum. It offers everything from an exhibition to the interactive longhouse, where replicas can be touched, tried out and experienced, to the Viking harbour. There are various activities for guests, such as archery, horse riding (for children only). Only the staff lacks motivation (at least on the day we were there). The whole setting offers everything needed to create a truly unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, the spark did not go over. Nevertheless, the museum is worth a stop if the Viking theme is something for you.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Predrag Bubalo

Historic Site of the week

Herceg Novi Old Town

Herceg Novi was founded (on a former small fishing village, existing since Roman Empire times) as a fortress in 1382 by first Bosnian King Stjepan Tvrtko I and was called Sveti Stefan or Castelnuovo. The Turks conquered Herceg Novi in 1482, and ruled for 200 years, until 1687. However, there was a short pause between 1538 and 1539 when it was held by the Spaniards before they were defeated in the Siege of Castelnuovo. Turkey ruled again until 1687, from then until 1797, the town was ruled by the Venetian Republic.

The Herceg Novi old town is amazing. It is on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses is a many hour adventure.

Lofotr Viking Museum