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Museum · Svolvær, Nordland
Lofotr Vikingmuseum
The Viking museum in Borg, in central Lofoten, with the reconstruction of an 83‑metre chieftain's longhouse, finds from the excavations, boat replicas and Viking‑era activities in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lofotr Vikingmuseum
The Lofotr Vikingmuseum is in Borg, on the island of Vestvågøy, in the centre of the archipelago. In 1983 a farmer found traces of a large building there, and excavations revealed the longhouse of a Viking chieftain, about 83 metres long—one of the largest houses from the Viking Age discovered in Scandinavia. Glass and ceramics from continental Europe were also found, evidence of long‑distance trade.
Next to the original site, the museum reconstructed the house at full scale, made of wood with a turf roof and a curved roofline like an upturned boat hull. Inside there is the banquet hall, with a long central hearth, benches, furs and objects, and other parts of the house with storage and workshops. Guides in period dress usually explain life there.
The visitor centre, on the hill above, displays the items found in the excavations and shows a film about the Viking Age in Lofoten. Down by the lake are the smithy, replicas of Viking ships and the quay from which, in summer, visitors typically row a replica boat.
In summer there are also Viking night banquets and a Viking festival in August. The museum is close to the E10 road, between Svolvær and Leknes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
From June to August, when the museum usually runs guided activities, rowing boat trips and banquets. For the rest of the year there are shorter opening hours and fewer activities. Check before you go.
How to get there
It is in Borg, by the E10, about 70 km west of Svolvær and 15 km from Leknes. E10 buses stop nearby.
Tip
Start at the visitor centre and go down to the reconstructed longhouse. If you visit in summer, book the Viking banquet for the evening.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lofotr Vikingmuseum
What is the Lofotr?
A Viking museum in Borg, with the reconstruction of an 83-metre longhouse of a Viking chieftain discovered in excavations.
Is the museum open year-round?
It is usually open year-round, with more activities in summer. Check the opening hours.
Can you row in a Viking boat?
In summer, there are usually guided trips in a replica boat on the lake.
How long does the visit take?
Two to three hours.