At the head of Norway’s UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, in the village of Gudvangen, a community of modern Vikings lives the old way and invites the world to visit. Their Viking village, Njardarheimr (‘home of Njörd,’ the Norse god of the sea and prosperity), stands on the site of an annual Viking market and is run as a living museum devoted to education and authenticity.
Vikings in the Village
More than 20 buildings were created with local materials, notably peat and sod. However, it’s the people in the village that help Viking Valley stand out among Viking sites.
“In Gudvangen, we have dedicated Vikings living there. It’s their passion and lifestyle, no dressed up summer-job students with a manuscript,” Husfrua Torill Hylland told us by email in 2023. “You can address any of them and ask questions. They all love to tell you about their main interest: the Vikings and their everyday life.” (Husfrua means ‘mistress of the house,’ the woman in charge of the village; Hylland was also its CEO.)
Experience Viking Life
While the Vikings are an important part of this living museum, another vital aspect to the experience is that visitors to Njardarheimr get to do things the Viking way.
“In a typical museum, you can’t touch the things, you don’t necessarily understand the use and purpose of it,” wrote Hylland. “Trying it out for yourself, seeing it in action is a different experience. It comes to life.” Seeing a demonstration and being able to ask about what is going on leads to better understanding and remembering.
Eat Like a Viking
Blacksmithing, archery, and axe throwing are some of the activities available at Njardarheimr. However, every culture is better experienced through a meal, and in Viking Valley, visitors can have an authentic Viking meal.
“The best part of a traditional Viking meal is that it is real food: healthy, no artificial stuff added. And it’s local and sustainable,” wrote Hylland. She added that the “use of local herbs also makes it taste good.”
Can’t make it to Norway? Visit Njardarheimr online at vikingvalley.no, where you can see the village and plan a trip.
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