Viking Valley, or Njardarheimr, is a fascinating living history village in the small Norwegian town of Gudvangen, deep in the Nærøyfjord. This unique place brings the Viking Age to life in a way you can see, hear, and even touch. It’s not a theme park with roller coasters — instead, it’s a recreated Viking settlement where people actually live and work as Vikings would have over a thousand years ago.

As you step inside the gates, you’ll find longhouses built from timber and turf, blacksmiths hammering iron, and craftsmen carving wood, all dressed in authentic clothing from the era. You can wander through the village, watch traditional skills like weaving, baking flatbread, and making weapons, and even join in on games or archery practice. The people who work here — called “Vikings” themselves — are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share stories about Norse gods, daily life, and real Viking history, which helps separate myth from fact.

The setting itself couldn’t be more perfect: the steep fjord cliffs rise up around the village, and the sparkling waters of the Nærøyfjord lie just beyond, giving you a sense of what it might have felt like to arrive here by ship centuries ago. Viking Valley is more than a museum; it’s an immersive experience that makes Norway’s Viking heritage feel alive and immediate. Visitors of all ages find it both fun and educational, a place where you can truly imagine what life was like when Norway was ruled by seafarers and storytellers.