Vikingopplevelser Archives

Kaupang Viking Town

Kaupang Viking Town is located beside Viksfjorden near Larvik, on the site of one of Norway's earliest urban trading settlements, established around AD 800. Here you can explore Viking Age trade and craftsmanship through archaeological exhibitions, a reconstructed building and guided experiences in the historic landscape.

Where Vikings lived and traded
More than 1,200 years ago, people gathered at Kaupang to trade goods, practise crafts and exchange knowledge. Its location beside the fjord made it an important centre for trade and travel during the Viking Age. Today, you can see a reconstruction of what a Viking house may have looked like, along with a model showing how parts of the settlement were arranged. Together with archaeological findings, these displays help bring the ancient trading town to life.

Discover the archaeological finds
Archaeologists have investigated Kaupang since the 19th century, and much of the original settlement remains unexcavated.
The exhibitions explain what archaeologists have discovered, how the excavations were carried out and what the findings reveal about trade, craftsmanship and power during the Viking Age. Guides from the Kaupang Project also bring the surrounding landscape to life, sharing stories about the people who lived here and the burial sites that reveal aspects of life and death in Viking society.

Viking activities and guided experiences
During the summer season, Kaupang offers activities for children and adults. Depending on the programme, these may include archery, archaeological digging, storytelling and guided walks at Northern Kaupang. Activities take place on selected days during the season. Guided tours indoors and outdoors are available during regular opening hours when other activities are not taking place.

Explore the cultural heritage trail
Fasanatur is a free cultural heritage trail featuring questions and activities related to the area. Starting at the car park, it can be explored independently of the Viking Town's regular opening hours. Kaupang is also a worthwhile stop along the Viking Trail through Vestfold, which connects burial sites and other important places from the Iron and Viking Ages.

Group visits to Kaupang
Kaupang Viking Town also welcomes groups by prior arrangement. Visits can be adapted to include historical storytelling, traditional crafts, Viking games and food prepared over an open fire. Contact the Kaupang Project in advance to arrange a group experience suited to your needs.

Plan your visit
Kaupang Viking Town is located at Kaupangveien 276, beside Viksfjorden in Larvik municipality. The visitor centre normally opens for the summer season from late June to late August. In 2026, regular opening hours were Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Outside the summer season, visits are available by prior arrangement.

An admission fee applies to the visitor centre, while the outdoor cultural heritage trail is free to explore.
Check the Kaupang Project's official website for current opening hours, ticket prices, activity programmes and group bookings before travelling.

The Gokstad mound

The famous Gokstad Viking longship was excavated in 1880 and gave a reliable picture of what a Viking longship would have looked liked.

When Nicolaysen dug out the mound, he quickly saw that there had been grave robbers there. Weapons were placed in all men's graves from this time. It is as certain as jewelry being placed in women's graves. There were no weapons in the grave.

The skeleton found was of a man who was believed to be between 50 and 70 years old when he was buried. It was also believed that the man had been suffering from arthritis. He was around 1.85 meters tall. In the Viking Age, this was far above the average height of a man.

Next to the skeleton were some remains of fabric, which may be remnants of the dead man's suit. The pieces of wood are believed to be the remains of a bed. He had brought three fishing hooks. A board game with a piece made of horn is reminiscent of the game we today call mill. There were also many pieces of harnesses for horses. One of the pieces depicts a rider with a horse – and has become known as the rider medallion.

In addition to the skeleton, the remains of the feathers of a peacock were found. This find is the first of its kind from the Nordic region. Was the man supposed to bring the bird for food, or was it to show his power that this particular bird was placed in the pile? For eating utensils, the man had also brought six cups and a plate, all of which were made of hardwood. Three small boats and several beds were found in front of the mast. Otherwise, there was also hiking equipment such as a sled, a vessel for drinking water (750 litres), bargeboard for a tent and kitchen equipment – a trough, some cutting boards and a large bronze kettle.

12 horses and six dogs were also found outside the ship.

The Gokstad mound was reopened in 2007 and new investigations were carried out on the grave. The grave was previously believed to be that of Olav Geirstad-Alv, half-brother of Halvdan Svarte. However, recent discoveries have increased the uncertainty surrounding this version of history. It is therefore still uncertain who was buried in the Gokstad mound. The area has been equipped with informative notice boards and can be found on the RV 303, about 2 kilometres from the centre towards Tønsberg.

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.