Description
Points of Interest
- St. Olav's Church
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Travel back to the Middle Ages when Vikings roamed the island of Karmøy with a half-day excursion to Avaldsnes, the royal estate of King Harald Fairhair. Your walk through Viking history begins at St. Olav's Church. Constructed about 1250 A.D. by King Haakon Haakonson and completed about 200 years later as a royal chapel, the stone church is steeped in Viking lore. On the church's north wall you can see "Virgin Mary's Needle" leaning just inches away from the wall. According to legend, Judgment Day will come when the needle finally touches the wall. Gain insight into the world of Vikings at the Nordvegen History Center and learn about the kings who controlled the coast. Next, look into the life of the Viking farmer with a stroll through the Viking Farm on Bukkøy Island. At the end of this unique adventure, you'll rejoin your coach and return to port.
Special Notes:
Guests will need to walk about 400 meters at the History Center, with a few stairs. Also approximately 100 meters walking distance to the Church. The visit to the History Center involves walking and standing for about one hour and ten minutes. The reconstructed farm is situated on Bukkøy Island - ca 15 Minutes walk from St. Olavs church on Avaldsnes.The interior of the church may be closed at short notice for funerals or other services.
Details
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.