Nordfjordeid between Viking history and fjord

If you are considering Nordfjordeid as a travel destination, its Viking history is a prominent theme. The Myklebust ship, several burial mounds and the Sagastad Viking Centre offer different points of interest. The historic Eidsgata, the Nordfjord and activities ranging from a cultural trail to a summit hike add to the appeal. You can consider which of these aspects of the town best fit your travel plans.

Viking history in Nordfjordeid

The Myklebust ship was found in a burial mound in Nordfjordeid in 1874. Rundehågjen is also a burial mound in Nordfjordeid; a burned Viking ship, or a Viking grave, dating from the late 9th century was discovered there. The two dates provide different points of reference: the late 9th century dates the find at Rundehågjen, while 1874 is the year the Myklebust ship was discovered.

The Sagastad Viking Centre presents Nordfjordeid’s Viking history through stories of kings, power struggles, great voyages, mythology and mystical rituals. The centre also offers a VR experience and interactive installations. Visitors can board the 30-metre-long reconstructed Myklebustskipet; check access details before your trip.

At Myklebust Farm, visitors can enter an authentic Viking burial mound as part of a group-focused experience. Another insight into cultural history is the approximately 1.5-kilometre-long Sagatrail. It runs through the cultural history of Nordfjordeid and includes a stop at the King’s burial mound.

Historic streets and cultural sites

Eidsgata is a historic shopping street in the centre of Nordfjordeid. Its wooden buildings are listed in the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage’s NB Register. Speciality shops can be found in old, charming wooden buildings; the offerings of individual businesses may change. The street thus combines a historic streetscape with shopping opportunities.

Malakoff also tells the story of the town: the site was established in 1649 as Norway’s first military training ground. Today, the Malakoff Rock Festival is held every summer on the former training ground; dates and programme vary. After Selja, Eid Church is considered the oldest church site in Nordfjord. The present church is more than 150 years old and is known as Nordfjord’s rose-painted church.

Vouchers can be used for events and cinema at Operahuset Nordfjord. Individual programmes and dates may change if you are planning your visit around them.

Fjord and outdoor activities

Next to Sagastad is Sagaparken, with a bathing beach on the Nordfjord. For a hike, the route to Trollenykjen rises from 0 metres in the centre of Nordfjordeid to an elevation of 898 metres. From the summit, views extend over seven parish districts and the Nordfjord on both sides. Conditions vary seasonally; check them before your hike.

Norsk Fjordhestsenter offers rides along bridleways with views of the town centre. Booking and availability may vary, so check the options in advance. At Hamna, children can use a Viking-inspired climbing structure that is considered the only one of its kind in Norway. These activities offer different highlights: views and elevation at Trollenykjen, views of the town on a horseback ride, and a Viking theme at the climbing structure.

Getting to Nordfjordeid

Nordfjordeid is on the E39 and is easily accessible by car from Ålesund, Bergen and Stryn. Driving conditions may vary. If you are planning your trip around a festival or an activity, also take into account the changing festival dates and the varying booking requirements and availability for horseback rides.

Discover more destinations: Holmøyane, Hennebygda, Stårheim, Eid, Haus, Torheim, Kjølsdalen, Heggjabygda

Go to the main travel overview: Eid.