Borgund

We can now see Borgund to the north – a place rich in history and one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of Northwestern Norway. Here you’ll find Borgund Church, a beautiful stone church from the 12th century, standing close to the site of a once-thriving medieval town: Borgundkaupangen. Have you heard of it? In the Middle Ages, Borgundkaupangen was the largest town between Bergen and Trondheim – a lively trading post with international connections and traces of both Viking culture and early Christianity. Over 45,000 archaeological finds have been uncovered here, including bridges, graves, roads, houses, and boathouses. Today, the site is part of a major research project at the University of Bergen, and you can even join archaeologists on a time-traveling journey through the town that vanished. The ancient Pilgrim’s Route to Nidaros also passed through this landscape. And according to legend, one of Saint Olav’s men was killed here during Norway’s Christianization. His blood is said to have stained a rock by the shore – and the red mark can still be seen to this day. This is also where you’ll find the Medieval Museum and Sunnmøre Museum, offering vivid insights into life along the coast from the Viking Age, through the Middle Ages, and into the present day.