Within a straight-line distance of just 40 km, you can find some of the world’s most spectacular Viking Age monuments. These experiences are lined up one after another, whether you choose to drive, cycle—or hike!
By Einar Chr. Erlingsen
Around 25 years ago, I first proposed the idea of connecting Vestfold’s many spectacular Viking Age sites into a single experience route. I was inspired by Denmark and Scotland. Denmark introduced its Marguerite Route in 1991—a 3,500-km-long tour through the country’s most scenic landscapes and around 1,000 attractions, large and small. The route is marked by small signs featuring—of course—a marguerite flower (similar to a daisy, but a different species and Queen Margrethe’s favorite).
In northern Scotland, we find a much shorter route, only about 60 km long. That might be just as well. Along the way, The Malt Whisky Trail visits no fewer than seven distilleries, as well as a cooperage. Each distillery offers tastings, so it might be wise to appoint a designated driver for the trip.
In Vestfold, however, it’s an entirely different experience on offer. The Viking Route starts at Mølen in the southernmost part of the county and winds through beautiful forest, coastal, and cultural landscapes, stopping at some of the world’s most important Viking Age discoveries before ending at the Borre mounds—the largest collection of monumental Viking Age burial mounds in Scandinavia.
Ships of Stone
Along the way, you can marvel at Mølen’s stunning landscape of rolling stone beaches, dotted with hundreds of large and small burial cairns. From there, continue to Kaupang, where Norway’s first town was established in the 8th century. Further inland lies the mysterious stone ship setting at Istrehågan. A scenic 3.3-km cultural trail leads to another, even larger stone setting at Elgesem.
From there, it’s only a short distance to the Viking Park in Sandefjord’s bustling harbor area. Here, Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation features a site with a pole house and smithy, where parts are being crafted for the first-ever archaeological replica of the Gokstad ship.
An Original Viking Ship
The next stop is the Gokstad Mound, where the famous ship was excavated in 1880. For the first time, the world gained an understanding of Viking ship construction. Just 500 meters away is the Heimdal field, where archaeologists in 2011 discovered a previously unknown Viking Age trading post.
Picture: Steinar Hvitstein
From here, the journey continues to Tønsberg. At Jarlsberg Manor lies Sæheimr, a Viking-era site. If you opt to go on foot, a cultural trail leads via Berg Prison and past several smaller Viking graves to Kjelle. From there, it’s just a few hundred meters to the Slottsfjell Museum, home to the Klåstad Ship—a merchant vessel from around the year 1000 and the only original Viking ship displayed outside Oslo. (Where, by the way, the famous Viking Ship Museum is closed for another two years due to reconstruction).
A Ship in the Making
Descending from the hill, you’ll reach Vikingodden, where the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation is building its third full-scale Viking ship since 2010. This is the world’s only continuously operating Viking shipyard! Visitors can witness shipbuilding, blacksmithing, wood carving, textile work, and more.
Photo: Bård Kjølsrud
Chieftain’s Hall and Festival
The next stop is the Oseberg Mound—the site of the world’s most spectacular Viking Age discovery. Finally, the road leads to its end at the Midgard Viking Center in Borre. The site exudes a mysterious atmosphere with its monumental burial mounds. The visitor center features changing exhibitions and a cozy café.
Just a few hundred meters north lies the fantastic Gildehallen (Chieftain’s Hall), where guided tours are available. Gildehallen and its surrounding area also host the annual Midgardsblot festival—a metal and folk music festival that attracts visitors from around the world: www.midgardsblot.no.
How to Navigate the Viking Route?
The idea of the Viking Route is as mentioned not new, but Vestfold County Council’s planning and facilitation have accelerated its realization. Archaeologist Ragnar Orten Lie at Vestfold County’s Cultural Heritage Department is leading the project. The goal is to launch marketing efforts by 2025, including signage, maps, photos, videos, and other online information. Brochures and possibly a book highlighting the Viking Trail’s key attractions are also in the works.
The Viking Route can be driven on smaller roads from Mølen to Midgard, mostly near the coast. To see the main highlights, plan for two days. Alternatively, you can cycle or hike, allowing three to four days.
No matter how you choose to travel, the Viking Route in Vestfold offers unforgettable experiences!
