Slottsfjellsmuseet offers an exhibition on the Middle Ages, “The history of Tønsberg city” both in the museum and in the Slottfjell Tower on top of the hill, “Svend Foyn and Tønsberg”, the Whale Hall and its whale skeletons and the Viking Hall with Norway’s four preserved Viking ship and the history of the Oseberg find. From the Vestfold courtyard at Tallak you will see old buildings of Vestfold. Slottsfjellsmuseet welcomes you to the museum and Castle Cafe (summer open).
Slottsfjellsmuseet
In the middle of Tønsberg in beautiful surroundings you find Slottsfjellsmuseet. The museum and the area around it, is a cultural heritage site that represent the city’s long history. The castle ruins show the remains of one of Scandinavia’s largest medieval castles.
The Viking hall
In the museums Viking hall, you will find Norway’s fourth Viking ship; this is the only preserved ship which is placed outside of Oslo. Adding to that is the story of the Oseberg findings, the grave with Europe’s biggest Viking discoveries which was found only 3 km north of Tønsberg’s city center.
Medieval exhibitions
The museum has several medieval exhibits, focusing on the life of kings, nobles, clergy and the common people in medieval Norway. Here you can learn about King Haakon Haakonsson, the civil war era in Norway, and much more.
The Whale hall
This exhibition shows a variety of whale skeletons, caught by whalers in the late 19th and early 20th century. The centerpiece of this exhibit is our blue whale; the world largest animal, approx. 27 meters long and weighing around 150 ton. Our specimen is the biggest preserved blue whale skeleton we know of today. Adjacent to the whale hall is an exhibit about Svend Foyn, a whaling pioneer from Tønsberg.
Vestfold farmyard and world war two bunker
At the foot of the hill, there is a collection of farmhouses from around the county, with the oldest dating from the early 15th century. Here you will also find a charming café. The entrance to the world war two bunker is located next to the café. The bunker was built during the German occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945 and served as a bomb shelter and ammunition storage.
Guided tours of the museum
For guided tours and prices, please contact the museum.
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
* 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.
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.
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.
