Norway’s Viking Age assembly sites were the official places where leaders and free men gathered to shape society. From Onarheim in Tysnes to the great assemblies of Gulating and Frostating, these landscapes remain timeless destinations for travelers seeking history and heritage.
Onarheim in Tysnes
Onarheim was a chieftain’s seat and an early gathering place in western Norway. It may have served as the original court location for the Gulating assembly before King Håkon the Good moved it to Gulen in the 900s. Travelers visiting Tysnes can explore a landscape that once held both political and spiritual significance.
The Gulating
Located in Gulen, the Gulating was one of Norway’s oldest and most important assemblies. Leaders and free men from western Norway gathered here to pass laws, resolve disputes, and organize society. Its traditions influenced Norwegian governance for centuries.
The Frostating
In Trøndelag, the Frostating served as the assembly for central Norway. It was a place where laws were codified and disputes settled, reflecting the Viking commitment to collective decision-making. Today, visitors can explore the region’s heritage and imagine the debates that shaped history.
The Eidsivating
Covering inland districts of eastern Norway, the Eidsivating was a regional court and legislative body. It highlights the widespread nature of Viking assemblies, ensuring that communities across Norway had a voice in governance.
The Borgarting
In southeastern Norway, the Borgarting was another major assembly site. Leaders gathered here to uphold laws and traditions, reinforcing the Viking system of regional governance.
Why They Endure
- Foundations of Scandinavian democracy
- Historic landscapes tied to law and ritual
- Accessible heritage sites for modern travelers
A Timeless Encounter
For travelers, Viking assembly sites in Norway are more than historical curiosities—they are living heritage. Each site, from Onarheim to Gulating, offers a journey into the political and spiritual world of the Vikings, preserved in landscapes that continue to inspire reflection and exploration.
