Other attractions Arkiver

The Nesjar Monument

The monument was unveiled on St Olaf Day, 29th of July 2016.

The battle of Nesjar is looked upon as one of the most crucial sea battles in Norwegian history. Approximately 5000 men and 75 ships participated in the battle. Olav Haraldsson (Olaf the holy) won the battle against some of the most powerful chiefs of Svein Jarl. With this he ruled Norway, as the first king since Harald Fairhair. This laid the foundation for a structured state in Norway and the introduction of Christianity.

The battle of Nesjar is the first precise dated event in Norwegian history. Found in written sources such as "Heimskringla", "Fagerskinna", "Den legendariske Olavs-saga", "Flatøybok" and kvadet "Nesjarvisur" of Sigvat Skald. The battle of Nesjar was most likely located outside Værvågen/ ”behind” Mølen in Brunlanes.

Ulabrand – Monument

A monument of Ulabrand is raised at the point where local lodesmen had their observation post.

Ulabrand is regarded as Norway's best known lodesman ever. He worked at Ula from approximately 1850 until he lost his life during an autumn storm in 1881.

At the end of the 19th century the lodesmen themselves had to hail boats and ships that were in need of guidance. Wages were given to the man who came first to rescue – after the first come, first served principle. The lodesman then led the ship safely until it arrived in port.
Consequently, lodesmen had observation posts where they easily could spot ships on their way in the Oslo fiord because of the magnificent view.

There was fierce competition on arriving first to help at the ship's side. The lodesmen often risked their own lives, and Ulabrand was probably the roughest and toughest of the lot. The lodesmen brought many ships and lots of sailors to safety during Skagerrak storms.

Ulabrand himself became a symbol of strong seamanship, but he was first and foremost an important symbol of all the hard work the lodesmen went through to make shipping more secure.

The Kjærra Waterfalls Park

The Kjærra Waterfalls Park is situated in one of the most spectacular sceneries of Lågendalen you find the Kjærra Waterfalls Park. The Park, covering both sides of the river Lågen, derives its name from the famous Kjærra Waterfalls. Here, the river splits into two separate courses: The Eastern Falls and The Western Falls. The waterfall park is famous for its salmon and the historical fishing methods used are well documented.

In the waterpark you have the opportunity to go for a nice hike, admire the birds singing, go fishing or just find peace in the beauty of Kjærra Waterfalls Park. The park offers benches to sit and eat your lunch, as well as bonfires around the area.

The industry of fishing at Kjærra waterfalls park can be documented all the way back to the 1300, and lasted towards the end of 1958. After a while the plant was restored and opened for tourism in 1992. This brought tourists from all over the country to experience the Kjærra waterfalls, salmon fishing and summer concerts. It is also quite popular to visit Kjærra with kayaks.

The salmon trap is opened every Thursday during the season. There's usually a lot of fish and if you're lucky you get to buy a wild salmon on the spot. The fishing season for salmon is 10.06 – 26.08. Fishing license is bought online.

The Kjærra-bridge extend over Lågen with its 132 meters. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty of the forest, waterfalls and leaping salmon. This project started in the fall of 2000 and was opened by county governor Mona Røkke July 5th, 2001.

The exhibitions around the park makes it interesting and creates a unique experience when walking around. In the park you will find 5 different spots that displays 5 photographs of Kjærra waterfalls park during winter time. The placement of the pictures is aligned so that the photographs shows the same landscape as behind the photographs. The photographer is Kjell Harangen. When walking around the park you’ll also find sculptures within the nature, by the artist Trond Fredriksen.

The Anagama kiln is both an art piece and a ceramic oven. The oven is inspired originally from Japan and it can hold up to 500 figures. This project is a cooperation between Stiftelsen Kjærra Fossepark, sculptor Trond Frederiksen, ceramist Ole Krongaard and the college of Telemark.

Toilets and drinking water are available on site for the visitors. If your looking for more excitement, speed and climbing its perfect to combine it with Høyt og Lavt Climbing Park.

Midgard Viking Centre

Midgard Viking Centre has interesting and exciting exhibitions which shows different aspects of the history. There are playgrounds where both kids and adults can try some Viking games and activities, such as bow and arrow and log games.

The Borre burial mounds
Midgard Viking Centre is situated near the Borre burial mounds, which form one of Norway’s most important cultural heritage sites. It was in use between the year 600 and 900 after Christ. This historical place played a central role in Europe’s Viking history. Experience Viking history, based on archeological knowledge, through your senses. Visit the great Viking Hall of Borre as well. The areas fresh and nice nature plus the historical factors makes this a popular destination for everyone interested in history. Midgards guides will bring you around the park and tell you all the stories and secrets of the burial mounds.

The Viking hall "Gildehallen"
In 2013 the Viking hall was opened at Midgard. The hall is a magnificent reconstruction of one of the Viking’s major party halls/rooms.

Big parts of the building are built by hand and with time appropriate tools, beautiful woodcarvings to show that the Vikings extraordinary woodcarvings are not forgotten. The guides have insight on all the exciting details of the building and the Vikings.

You have the opportunity to experience the Viking age and see it come alive. Serving time appropriate food with groceries from close by. You get stories about the food and drink, the Viking hall and Borre, and any questions you may have, answered.

Midgard Viking Centre offers activity days where you can experience the Vikings age, there is also possible to arrange activities for groups such as crafts, cooking, bow and arrow etc.

The café has a beautiful view over the Borre burial mounds and an auditorium for lectures and conferences.

Kaupang Viking Town

The Town
Kaupang was founded around the year 800. The location was significant when the town was established as a hub for trade and production. At Kaupang today there is built a Viking house like they think it could have been. You can also see a model of the town and get to know how the town was located.

Research
Many have dug and researched Kaupang from the 1800s until now. Most of the city is still not excavated.
In the exhibition "What Kaupang Earth hid" you get an insight into how archaeologists worked, what they did and what we know about Kaupang history today. A new exhibition on archeology, the town, trade and power opened in June 2021.

Activities in the Summer season

* Kaupang, The viking town: Come and see the exhibition.!
* Fasanatur: Task-track for everyone.
* Family day:, Every Wednesday from July 26 to August 14. Activities for children.
* Puppet theatre: Thursdays July 4 and 11 at 13.00 o’clock. Norvegian language only.
* Walking on Kaupang North: Thursdays July 18 and 25, August 1 and 8. Story telling, funerals and archeaology. Who was buried there and how was the funeral. The walk starts at 13 o’clock and lasts about one hour.

For groups
Activities are organized and adapted to groups as needed.

Oseberghaugen – Royal mound

In 1904 archaeological excavations were carried out here, and the ship that hid a massive artifact discovery from the Viking era was revealed. The 21.5 meters long Oseberg ship turned out to be the grave of an eminent woman, perhaps a queen, dating back to 834 AD. The ship was filled with gifts for the journey to the kingdom of death. The Oseberg carriage, five beautifully carved animal headstones, four sleds, beds, chests and looms.
A maid servant was chosen to follow the womans journey to the afterlife and was found buried with the elderly gueen.

It was long assumed that this was the grave of Queen Åsa, grandmother of Harald Hårfagre. Hence the name Oseberg. Newer technology however allowed historians in 1992 to date the burial to around 834 and implies that it was in fact Queen Alvhild, first wife of King Gudrød, who was buried there.

The Oseberg Hill was opened again in autumn 2007 and the women's skeletons secured. The oldest was have been closer to 80 years old. The other woman is somewhat younger. Both belonged to the "upper class", but none of them seems have been Queen Åsa herself, as previously predicted.

The burial mound, 40 meters in diameter, was restored in 1947.

There is a cultural trail along Vellebekken to the grave.

A copy of the Oseberg ship's beautifully carved bow can be seen at The Slottsfjell Museum. The original ship with its contents is exhibited at the Viking Museum in Oslo. Another complete copy of the ship can be seen at the harbour of Tønsberg.

Castle Rock Tower

The present tower was built as a 1000-year anniversary and was completed in 1888. The tower is 17 meters high, with a stunning view of the town. The original cross from the Maria Church and the engraved signatures of three Norwegian kings can be seen in the tower – 1906 – King Hakon VII during the coronation process, 1958 – King Olav V during the signing process and 1992 – King Harald V during the opening of Tønsberg and Nøtterøy Library

Slottsfjellet – The Castle Hill area is the most popular outdoor recreation area in the center of Tønsberg, and has a long and exciting history. The Castle Hill has the largest ruin park in Scandinavia with ruins from Castrum Tunsbergis, which was Norways largest castle in the 14th century. The castle was destroyed in 1503.

The ruins once consisted of 700 metres of outer-wall with watchtowers and castles, the King´s Hall, built by King Håkon Håkonsson, “Teglkastellet” built by King Magnus Lagabøte, and St. Mikael Church which may have been completed in 1191. The original main tower was probably even bigger and more beautiful than today's tower.

The powerful crag was the ultimate spot for a castle complex in the insecure times when old Tunsberg – Norway's most important naval port in the east – started growing, and the power struggles between Norway's many kings ravaged the country. Much exciting Norwegian history was written on Slottsfjellet, or Mikkelsberg, as it was once called. Famous Norwegian medieval kings and princesses have married here, and power struggles between the Baglers and the Birkebeiners have played out.

The tower is closed from October – April, but the ruins can be visited year-round.