Are you visiting Norway and want to time travel back to the Viking ages? At Njardarheimr, the Viking Valley Village in Gudvangen you can explore Viking culture and get a glimpse into how life was in Norway a thousand years ago when the Vikings inhabited these lands.

I know it can sound a bit gimmicky with a “Viking Village”, you might imagine people with horns on their helmets and large Odin tattoos on their back. I have to admit though, I saw non of those things, and I think the village is a pretty good representation of what a Viking village might have looked like.

To get the best experience possible I highly recommend joining a guided tour. I had an excellent guide there who really made the place come alive with all his insight into Viking history and culture.

In this article I’ll cover how to get there and give a description of what you can expect to see and learn about in the village.

A guide at the Viking Valley Village

How to get to the Viking Village?

Njardarheim is located in the small village of Gudvangen, which sits at the very end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. It’s a tiny village of about 100 inhabitants, but sees a lot of travelers since the Norway in a Nutshell tour passes through with people heading out on a fjord cruise or catching a bus to Bergen.

In case you wondered, the Norway in a Nutshell tour is a great way to travel between Oslo and Bergen and to experience the fjord country. Read my article about the Norway in a Nutshell tour here.

So, if you are on the Norway in a Nutshell and coming from Flåm, you can choose a later bus departure from Gudvangen to Voss, which will allow you time to visit the Viking Village. If you are coming the other way from Bergen, you can choose a later cruise departure.

However, if changing the bus or cruise time is not possible, you could spend an extra day in Flåm, and ride a shuttle bus back and forth to Gudvangen.

👉  Check out my: Ultimate Guide to Flåm

Such an idyllic spot

Another option to get there is to rent a car. From Bergen it’s about a 2.5 hours drive going east on the E16. Along the way you can make a stop at the impressive Tvindefossen waterfall, and marvel at the amazing views of the Nærøydalen valley from the Stalheim viewpoint. You could even consider staying a night at the Stalheim Hotel, with rooms offering panoramic views of the valley.

👉 Check out car rental rates for Norway at Booking.com.

Bus company NOR-WAY has express buses going between Bergen and Oslo, with a stop in Gudvangen.

Experiencing the Viking Valley Village

You can plan to spend about an hour and a half in this village. Perhaps closer to two hours if you join a guided tour (recommended!), but I’m sure that Viking enthusiasts would spend even more.

There is a caféteria named “Viking Kro” inside the village where you can have lunch, although to be honest I’d much rather have a picnic next to the fjord. You find some seats and benches close to the bridge crossing the river.

A “real” Viking

Things to see and experience

At the Viking village in Gudvangen, you can expect to immerse yourself in a recreated Viking Age environment. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find:

• Authentic Reconstructions:
  • You’ll see buildings and structures built using traditional Viking methods and materials, giving you a sense of what a Viking settlement might have looked like.
• Living History:
  • The village often features costumed interpreters who portray Vikings, demonstrating crafts, skills, and daily life from the Viking Age. These people are actually very knowledgable, and fun to talk with about everything Viking.
• Craft Demonstrations:
  • You can witness demonstrations of traditional Viking crafts, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, and cooking.
• Viking Activities:
  • You can have the opportunity to participate in Viking-themed activities, like archery, axe throwing, or trying on Viking clothing.
• Cultural Insights:
  • The village provides insights into Viking history, mythology, and social structures.
• Atmosphere:
  • Expect a unique, rustic, and immersive atmosphere.
• Photo opportunities:
  • The village provides many interesting photo opportunities. For instance, equip yourself with a sword and a helmet and bring out your inner Viking!

Viking sheep…

Oh, and btw. they have a quite well-stocked souvenir store there. Probably the best Viking-souvenir store on the west side of Norway.

Why should you visit the Viking Village?

My first thought when I entered was, this is for sure not just a museum; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the Viking Age!

I enjoyed wandering through authentic reconstructions of Viking-era buildings, crafted with traditional methods, and witness artisans demonstrating ancient crafts like blacksmithing and weaving.

Great fun discovering my inner viking

I also liked talking with the costumed Vikings who bring history to life, shared their stories and insights into their daily lives and culture. And one of the highlights was for sure the guided tour, which provided a lot of insight, told with a lot of humor.

I’d say that whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a cool adventure, the Viking village in Gudvangen offers a nice journey into the heart of Norway’s Viking heritage. It’s a place where you can learn, experience, and connect with the past in a truly captivating way.

Thanks for reading this article!