During the Viking Age, Norway was shaped by four major hubs that defined law, trade, and culture. These centers—Tysnes (Onarheim), Gulen, Avaldsnes, and Kaupang—were crucial in the development of governance, commerce, and identity. For travelers today, they offer a window into the foundations of Norwegian society.
Tysnes and Onarheim
Onarheim in Tysnes is believed to be the original site of the Gulating assembly, Norway’s oldest legislative gathering. As a chieftain’s seat and cult center, it played a pivotal role in Viking governance before the assembly moved to Gulen. Visitors can explore the area’s rich history and imagine the debates that shaped early Norwegian law.
Gulen
By the mid-900s, King Håkon the Good relocated the Gulating to Gulen, making it a central hub for western Norway. Here, laws were codified and disputes settled, laying the groundwork for the Gulating Law, one of the oldest preserved legal codes in Scandinavia. Today, Gulen celebrates this heritage with cultural events and historical markers.
Avaldsnes
Located on Karmøy, Avaldsnes was a royal seat and strategic power center. Known as the “Nordvegen” or northern way, it controlled shipping routes along the coast. King Harald Fairhair established Avaldsnes as a base, making it a hub of political and military power. The Nordvegen History Centre now offers travelers an immersive Viking experience.
Kaupang
Near Larvik, Kaupang was Norway’s first known town and a thriving Viking trading hub. Merchants from across Europe exchanged goods here, from silver and glass to furs and iron. Archaeological finds reveal its importance as a marketplace and cultural crossroads. Visitors can explore reconstructed Viking houses and learn about daily life in this bustling settlement.
Highlights for Travelers
- Walk the historic grounds of Onarheim in Tysnes
- Discover Viking law traditions at Gulen
- Experience royal power at Avaldsnes on Karmøy
- Explore Viking trade at Kaupang near Larvik
Foundations of a Nation
Together, these four hubs—Tysnes, Gulen, Avaldsnes, and Kaupang—represent the pillars of Viking Age Norway. They show how law, trade, and leadership intertwined to shape a society that still resonates today. For travelers, visiting these sites offers a journey into the roots of Norwegian identity and the Viking world.
