The most interesting places to visit in no particular order are:
Historical Museum Oslo, Norway
The Historical Museum in Oslo is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of the Dark Ages and medieval history. Visitors can marvel at exquisite objects such as ornate swords, gold jewelry, and one of the world’s best-preserved Viking helmets. The museum’s exhibitions, including “VÍKINGR”, offer a deep dive into Norse mythology, Viking daily life, and the religious transformations that shaped medieval Norway. Rare artifacts from stave churches and a rich display of medieval ecclesiastical art provide unique insight into this pivotal era.
For those passionate about the Dark Ages, the Historical Museum’s collections and immersive displays make it an essential stop in Oslo.
Official website: https://www.historiskmuseum.no/english/
Lofotr Viking Museum, Borg (Lofoten Islands), Norway
Set in the dramatic landscape of the Lofoten Islands, the Lofotr Viking Museum is built around the reconstructed longhouse of a Viking chieftain, the largest ever found in Norway. The site allows visitors to experience Viking life through interactive exhibits, archaeological finds, and live demonstrations of crafts, cooking, and combat.
The museum’s immersive approach, combined with its stunning natural setting, makes it easy to imagine life during the Viking Age and is especially appealing for those seeking an authentic connection to Norway’s Dark Ages past.
Official website: https://www.lofotr.no/en/
Avaldsnes, Haugesund, Norway
Avaldsnes is known as Norway’s oldest royal seat and was a key center of power during the Viking Age, home to King Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway. The site features the Nordvegen History Centre, which explores the region’s role in Norwegian unification, and the Viking Farm at Bukkøy, a reconstructed settlement based on archaeological discoveries.
Avaldsnes also hosts an annual Viking Festival and is surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, making it a top destination for those interested in the intersection of myth, power, and daily life in the early medieval period.
Official website: https://www.opplevavaldsnes.no/en/
Stiklestad National Cultural Center, Verdal, Norway
Stiklestad is the site of the pivotal Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, where King Olaf II (later Saint Olaf) fell, marking the end of the Viking Age and the Christianization of Norway. The Stiklestad National Cultural Center offers exhibitions, reenactments, and events that bring to life the drama and significance of this historic battle.
Visitors can explore the battlefield, a medieval church, and reconstructed Viking buildings, making it an essential stop for those fascinated by the transition from paganism to Christianity in Scandinavia.
Official website: https://stiklestad.no/english/
National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik
The National Museum of Iceland is the premier institution for understanding Iceland’s Viking and medieval history. Its extensive collection covers the period from the first Norse settlers through the Middle Ages, displaying artifacts such as weapons, tools, religious objects, and everyday items.
The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Icelandic society, law, and culture, making it an ideal starting point for Dark Ages history enthusiasts.
Official website: https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/english
Reykjavík 871±2, Reykjavik, Iceland
Built around the excavated remains of a Viking longhouse dated to around 871 AD, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the earliest days of Icelandic settlement. Interactive displays and multimedia installations help visitors understand Viking architecture, daily routines, and the challenges faced by the first Norse settlers.
The site is particularly valuable for those interested in archaeology and the material culture of the Viking Age.
Official website: https://reykjavikcitymuseum.is/the-settlement-exhibition
Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
Þingvellir is the site of the original Althing, Iceland’s national parliament established in 930 AD, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s dramatic landscape is not only geologically significant but also steeped in history, as it was the center of Icelandic law, governance, and social life throughout the Middle Ages. Walking among the ancient assembly fields and law rock, visitors can easily imagine the gatherings that defined Iceland’s early society.
Official website: https://www.thingvellir.is/en/
