Avaldsnes: St. Olav’s Church, Menhir and the Viking Age

Avaldsnes tells its story in very different places: the medieval St. Olav’s Church and an extraordinary menhir shape its historic character, while the Nordvegen History Centre presents the area’s development. There is also the Viking Farm and an annual festival. If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Avaldsnes, these cultural and historical experiences can provide the focus for your trip.

St. Olav’s Church and the royal seat

St. Olav’s Church was built around 1250 by Håkon Håkonsson. It is the only one of Norway’s four royal collegiate churches still standing today. Avaldsnes’ history as a royal seat is also part of the visit: the Nordvegen History Centre tells how Avaldsnes became Norway’s oldest royal seat. If you are interested in medieval buildings and the history of royal rule, you will find two different ways to explore these subjects here—the church as a historic building and the story of the area’s development.

A menhir in a remarkable location

North of the church stands the Sewing Needle of the Virgin Mary, a 7.2-metre-high menhir and one of Norway’s tallest standing stones. Of the five menhirs believed to have been erected in Avaldsnes in the 3rd century AD, it is the only one still standing in its original location. A medieval royal manor is also part of the area’s history: it was discovered in 2012 on the plateau south of St. Olav’s Church. It is the fourth stone royal manor to be discovered in Norway. The church, menhir and archaeological site thus tell of different periods, each with its own distinct historical significance.

Stories at the Nordvegen History Centre

The Nordvegen History Centre brings its stories to life with film, sound, light, figures and objects. Much of the Centre is underground to protect the medieval church and historic landscape. Avaldsnes’ cultural landscape is of great national value, and this commitment to protection has therefore also been central to the Centre’s design. During your visit, you can distinguish between the historical account at the Centre and the tangible buildings and traces in the surrounding area. If you are particularly interested in how Avaldsnes became a royal seat, the Centre offers the right storytelling focus.

Viking Farm and festival

The Avaldsnes Viking Farm is on a small, wooded island below the medieval church. A four-day Viking festival is held there every year, around the second weekend in June. The festival includes craftspeople and traders, weapons demonstrations, storytellers, entertainers and musicians. The event aims to bring Viking Age history and culture to life in a child- and family-friendly way. This is a distinct focus alongside the medieval themes surrounding the church and royal manor: here, performances and crafts take centre stage. As the event is held around the second weekend in June, treat this as an approximate annual date, not a fixed calendar date.

Pilgrimage history and exploring

St. Olav’s Church was an important stop for pilgrims travelling to Olav’s grave in Nidaros. Today, the Avaldsnes Regional Pilgrim Centre is one of four pilgrim centres along the Kystpilegrimsleia. This connection also makes Avaldsnes interesting for travellers exploring pilgrimage routes and religious history. You can explore the cultural landscape independently or join a guided tour. For your visit, you can choose between exploring on your own and taking a guided tour.

Getting there and choosing a place to stay

Bus routes 208, 209 and 210 from Haugesund stop in Avaldsnes. From the bus stop, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the Nordvegen History Centre. Allow for this walking time if you plan to combine a visit to the Centre with travelling by bus. If Avaldsnes’ history is your main interest, consider the area when looking for holiday accommodation. Other places in the same broader selection are Kvalavåg, Sævelandsvik, Kopervik, Skre, Kolnes, Røyksund, Åkra and Åkrehamn.

For the broader travel overview: Karmøy.