Why Nordfjordeid Should Be Your Next Norwegian Fjords Destination

26.05.2024 - 12:39 / forbes.com

Many of Norway’s fjord destinations offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, but the opening of a Viking Age museum has put one destination on the must-visit list for travelers ahead of more famous alternatives.

The charming waterfront town of Nordfjordeid, also simply referred to as 'Eid', is positioned centrally in the Nordfjord region, offering an ideal base for exploring the dramatic landscapes on either end.

To the west, the untamed wilderness of Norway’s West Cape invites curious adventurers, while to the east, the panoramic views from the Loen Skylift and the stunning Briksdal glacier await.

Yet it’s also home to some fascinating attractions, not least the new Viking Age museum centered on a wonderful replica Viking ship—and yes, it’s seaworthy.

Visit Sagastad to explore the centerpiece of Nordfjordeid's Viking history—the Myklebust ship. This meticulously built replica Viking ship is displayed in a modern, purpose-built museum on the waterfront.

Though eclipsed by the discovery of more intact ships like Gokstad and Oseberg, the discovery of the Myklebust ship burial site played an important role in the development of knowledge about the Viking Age.

The burial mound held the remains of a ship, believed to have been burned during a funeral ritual. Constructed by expert builders from Bjørkedalen, the ship plays a starring role in the museum.

Experience Viking history firsthand by boarding the ship via a gangway and admiring the intricate woodwork. Take advantage of the helmets and shields for a photographic souvenir.

The museum also delves into the story of the chieftain buried with the Myklebust ship, offering insights into the Viking Age through a film, a virtual reality game, and other exhibits.

With historic wooden houses, narrow alleyways, traditional farmsteads, and Viking Age burial mounds, Nordfjordeid is packed with cultural heritage all within walking distance from the port.

Look out for the white cultural signposts, dotted around the town, that point out streets and other areas of interest.

Start with a simple walk along Eidsgata, the bustling backbone of the town, flanked by historic buildings that now host a variety of modern cafes and shops.

These wooden structures, painted mostly white, reflect traditional Norwegian craftsmanship and are beautifully preserved, offering a visual journey back in time.

Tverrgata is a narrow alleyway lined with more wooden houses, highlighting classic rural Norwegian architecture and leading to a Viking Age burial site and the historic Myklebust farm. It’s known locally as the ‘Volva trail”, because the burial site is said to have been used for influential women including a powerful ‘volva’, a Viking Age seeress.

End your stroll along