
Viking Life by a Spectacular Fjord
Gudvangen


Aurland municipality / Sogn region / Vestlandet county
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It doesn’t get more Viking than this. The village of Gudvangen is located by Nærøyfjorden, the fjord acclaimed by several foreign media outlets as “the world's most beautiful and spectacular fjord”. Surrounded by towering, majestic mountains, you’ll also find the Viking village “Njardarheimr” in Gudvangen.

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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
The around 100 villagers in Gudvangen are used to visitors, as least part of the year. The UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjorden is a popular destination with its dramatic and spectacular landscape. For instance, Gudvangen is a popular port of call for cruise ships. Both villagers and visitors enjoy the fjord. It’s popular for paddling, and the landscape is breathtaking from the narrow fjord surrounded by steep mountains and impressive waterfalls. These mountains are also great for hiking, of course.

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Photo by Lukas Seitz on Unsplash

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
One of the most spectacular mountain hikes is the trip up Rimstigen. It’ll give you a breathtaking view over the fjord. Rimstigen is a train with history in every step. Farmers from the village of Bakka used the trail to lead their livestock over the mountain, in order to end up at the summer pastures in the valley of Breidalen. The steep slopes might seem a little scary at first, but the old trail is cleverly constructed, winding through lush forests and ascending sturdy stone steps on the steepest sections. The further you go, the better the view over the glittering fjord hundreds of meters below. And as you walk, you might think about the farmers that walked here a long, long time ago. Not for fun, but to put food on the table. The fjord landscape of the west coast is beautiful - but provided a lot of challenges for the people living their everyday lives here back in the days.

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Njardarheimr
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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Photo by Redcharlie on Unsplash
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Talking about back in the days, Njardarheimr takes you way back. All the way to the era of the Norwegian Vikings. The Viking village in Gudvangen comprises over 20 buildings, constructed primarily with more than 500 cubic meters of timber. Each building showcases craftsmanship, with ironworks for hinges and locks forged by a skilled blacksmith. Authenticity is paramount, evident in the use of traditional paints like ox blood for decorations. The construction materials are sourced locally, mirroring the materials historically found throughout the fjord, such as peat and shingle reminiscent of the old stave churches.
Photo: Marion Solheim

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Overskrift
The name Njardarheimr means the home of the northern god Njord. He is associated with fertility, wealth, seafaring, and fishing, and according to myths, he can also calm the sea and extinguish fire.

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Photo by Veroniki Thetis Chelioti on Unsplash

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Overskrift
In Njardarheimr you can summon your inner Viking and enjoy a journey back in time that is both exciting and educational. The smell of campfire, the captivating stories that are told about the old times, the taste of real Viking food. Oh, and a lot of axe throwing and archery.
To sum up, Gudvangen is the place to be if you want to be close to stunning nature and Viking history!

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Overskrift
Sources:
Main photo on top by Redcharlie on Unsplash
Viking Valley - The viking experience
Vikinglandsbyen Njardarheimr - Fjord Norway
UNESCO Nærøyfjorden Fjelltur - Fjord Tours
Njord – Store norske leksikon (snl.no)

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Photo: Marion Solheim

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Where is Gudvangen?
Church
Bus
Public services in the village
None
Hotel/guesthouse
Restaurant/cafe
Electric car charging
Gas station
Grocery store
Private services in the village
None
Game hunting
Small boat harbour
Sea fishing
Lake/river fishing
Leisure in the village
None
Vinmonopolet (wine and liquor shop)
Dentist
Library
Train
Swimming pool
Hospital
Doctor's office
High school
Junior high school
Primary school
Kindergarten
Public services within 45 min
None
Pharmacy
Fitness center
Movie theater
Ski center
Shopping center
Pub
Private services within 45 min
None
Volleyball
Golf
Aerial sports
Handball
Shooting range
Soccer club
Choir
Leisure within 45 min
None
In and Around the Village
Employers
Address
Tittel
Bolig type
Kvadratmeter
m
2
Pris
NOK

For sale
Housing
Note that not all available houses in the village are listed on freysta.com. Feel free to contact the municipality for more information about available homes. Best of luck with finding your dream home!
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