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.
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
Tuesdays – Archery
Thursdays – Guided walk at Northern Kaupang with storytelling, burials, and archaeology
Fridays – Archaeological excavation activities
Sundays – Storytelling sessions
Activities take place three times a day:
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, and last approximately 45 minutes.
Guided tours indoors and outdoors are available throughout the day outside of scheduled activities.
Fasanatur! Cultural Trail with Quiz.
For groups
Activities are organized and adapted to groups as needed.
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.
