Viking Festival

History

In the 21^st century, the Karmoy Viking Festival aims to recreate a traditional farming village that will transport visitors to the Viking Age. This time period went from 750-1100 AD, with Vikings from Norway, Sweden and Denmark establishing themselves as a strong political force via their travels through Europe. Avaldsnes, where the festival takes place, was a major power centre at the time.

The centre and participants of the festival want to make history come alive, and to preserve the cultural heritage of Norway. Run in summer annually by Karmoy Kulturopplevelser, an organisation for historic preservation, the Karmoy Viking Festival demonstrates and revives the cultural traditions of the Norse Sagas, with over 200 “Vikings”, traders and sailors, weapons demonstrators, storytellers and jugglers, gathering over four days.

Centred on a marketplace, you can try traditional foods and drinks, and browse the range of crafts on offer. For entertainment, there is traditional music, puppet shows, storytelling, game shows are on show.

You can even get involved in traditional Viking activities, like archery, horseriding, rowing, blacksmith workshops, and bone instrument-making. There is even an arena for children to learn some Viking fighting techniques

Barbecues are available for those of you who’d like to picnic while you’re there; and why wouldn’t you, when you’re surrounded by the historic and stunning scenery of Avaldsnes’ rolling green coastal hills and pines.

• How to get there
• Where to stay