The Viking Age meets the Middle Ages – historical sites you can experience

Hidden memories from the Viking Age

The Stavanger region is full of exciting places where history stretches back a thousand years – before the churches we see today were built. Several of the areas surrounding the medieval churches show clear signs of activity during the Viking Age. Here you can gain an insight into how people lived, traded and built communities along the coast over 1000 years ago.

The Vikings' coastal life and settlements

Sørbø Church – the Vikings' coastal life

Sørbø Church on the island of Rennesøy was built around 1140, but the area had been used long before that. Not far from the church, archaeologists have found a boat house over 30 metres long dating from the late Viking Age. This suggests that Sørbø was an important place for seafaring, perhaps as a harbour or trading centre. With its view of the fjord and short distance to the sea, people have used this coastal strip for over a thousand years.

Sola ruin church – a church with traces of the Viking Age

Sola ruin church dates back to the 12th century, but the history of the site goes back even further. Archaeological finds show that there was a settlement here as early as the Viking Age. Among other things, pit houses – small, sunken buildings used for crafts or storage – have been found right in front of the church. These traces show that the Sola area was inhabited and active before the church was built, and probably had a central place in Viking-era Rogaland.

Hå old vicarage – traces of the Viking Age

Hå old vicarage is located in an area rich in history, and archaeological finds show that the site has been inhabited since the Iron Age and Viking Age. Nearby, burial mounds and settlements have been found that link the area to Viking society and settlements. This suggests that Hå vicarage was located in the middle of a living landscape where people farmed, traded and had social networks during the Viking Age.

The vicarage later became a centre for church activities, though its roots go back a long way, and the area provides insight into how people lived and organised themselves before and during the Viking Age.

The transition to Christianity and the Middle Ages

Utstein Monastery – from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages

Utstein Monastery on the island of Mosterøy is Norway's best-preserved medieval monastery, founded in the 13th century. However, the area around the monastery has been inhabited since the Viking Age, and archaeological finds show that this was an important settlement and a hub for trade and shipping. The history here, therefore, stretches further back than the monastery's stone walls and provides a fascinating insight into the transition from the Viking Age to the Christian Middle Ages.

Building dating from the Viking Age, where Stavanger Cathedral stands today

During the restoration of Stavanger Cathedral, an unusual find was made: a pig's bone with both meat and skin preserved, dating back to the Viking Age. This suggests that there was activity here long before the church was built. The Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger believes that this strengthens the theory that there was an older building, perhaps a farm, on the site.

Defence and communication in the Viking Age

Beacons and warning systems – the Vikings' “warning towers” at Varberg

In the Viking Age, rapid communication along the coast was crucial for warning of enemies or other important events. An important warning system was the use of beacons – long fire or smoke signals that could be sent from high places. At Varberg in Egersund, with its strategic location, it is believed that such warning systems existed to monitor the fjord and alert the inhabitants of Egersund harbour.

Egersund was an important Viking harbour with access to both sea routes and resources, making it a key hub for trade and defence. Varberg, standing on a hill with good views, was therefore ideal for sending rapid signals along the coast – an early form of Viking ‘alarm tower’.

Treasures and sagas

The Årstad treasure – the Vikings' secret treasure chamber

What if you could find a real Viking treasure? Well, that's exactly what happened in 1836 at Årstad farm in Egersund! While clearing some land, farmer Ole Sivertsen Aaberg found over 1,800 silver coins and several pieces of jewellery – a treasure weighing a total of 2.3 kilos of silver! This find, known as the Årstad treasure, is Norway's largest coin hoard from the Viking Age.

The treasure includes many coins minted with the name of Canute the Great, who was king of both Denmark and England. This links the find to King Canute's journey to Norway in 1028, when he sought support among Norwegian nobles. The youngest coin in the find suggests that the treasure was buried around 1030. Today, you can see the Årstad treasure at the University Coin Cabinet in Oslo. And who knows – maybe there are more hidden treasures out there, waiting to be discovered!

Gyda and Harald – love that united Norway at Hafrsfjord

The story of Gyda and Harald Fairhair is one of the most famous sagas of the Viking Age. According to the sagas, Gyda refused to marry Harald until he had united all of Norway into one kingdom. Motivated by this challenge, Harald gathered his forces and fought the Battle of Hafrsfjord around 872 – a battle which, according to tradition, marked the beginning of a united Norway under one king.

Today, you can visit Hafrsfjord, just outside Stavanger, and see the Hafrsfjord monument, Swords in rock, an impressive sculpture honouring the Viking Age and this important battle. The area also offers beautiful scenery, hiking trails and opportunities to feel the history in the place where Norway was united. Gyda and Harald's saga is not only a love story, but also the story of a country that became one – a story that lives on in Rogaland's landscape and culture.

Ragnar on Preikestolen – the Vikings' selfie before it was cool

In the season finale of Vikings (season 2, episode 10), we find Ragnar Lothbrok at the top of Preikestolen – 604 metres above Lysefjorden – taking a break from conquering the world to enjoy the view. This episode was filmed at the real Preikestolen, and it is one of the most iconic scenes in the series. But wait a minute – Ragnar was from the 800s, and Preikestolen didn't become famous until long after that. So, how did he end up there? Well, that's Hollywood magic for you!

If you want to do like Ragnar and take an epic selfie, you can climb Preikestolen yourself. The hike takes about 2–3 hours one way, and you'll be rewarded with a view that will make you feel like a Viking on top of the world.

So, put on your hiking shoes, pack a sword (or maybe some snacks instead), and get ready for an adventure that even Ragnar would envy!

Ritual sites

Domsteinane - a mysterious stone circle from the Iron Age

Domsteinane is an impressive stone circle in Sola, close to Hafrsfjord, consisting of 12 standing stones. Although the site probably dates from the Early Iron Age (around 500 BC-500 AD), many believe that it was still in use and significant during the Viking Age.

The name ‘Domsteinane’ may indicate that the site was used as a courthouse - a gathering place where people met to resolve conflicts, make agreements and take important decisions. Such courthouses played a central role in Viking society, where laws were discussed and announced aloud.

Today, you can visit Domsteinane and walk in the footsteps of the stones - literally. Perhaps Vikings once stood here and discussed honour, land and laws?

Fun fact: Domsteinane is not far from Hafrsfjord, the site where, according to saga tradition, Harald Hårfagre united Norway!

Sources

• Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger, via StoryMaps
• Stavanger Municipality – Cultural Heritage Plan Rennesøy (PDF)
• Utstein Monastery – Norway’s Cultural History
• University of Stavanger – Read more about the pig bone discovery in Stavanger Cathedral (Norwegian)
• UiS, StoryMaps
• Egersund City History Encyclopedia – Dalane Folk Museum