If you want to experience Norway at its finest, don’t miss some of its most beloved festivals. These events offer a unique chance to soak in its culture and create lasting memories.
One of Norway’s premier music festivals takes place annually in Tromso. Here, you can witness breathtaking Northern Lights while listening to top quality music across various genres.
St Olav Festival
The St Olav Festival is one of Norway’s most beloved events, held each summer in Trondheim from 28 July to 5 August. This annual event offers an array of attractions such as markets, concerts, medieval stalls and more – making it a wonderful chance for you to explore Norway’s culture and traditions first-hand.
The festival also includes lectures and discussions. This year’s theme is “Saint Olav – A Role Model for the Present Day”, while other debates will cover who can save Syria? and which religion offers the most freedom to be different within?
As part of the celebrations, Nidaros Cathedral hosts a number of performances featuring world-class musicians and actors. Additionally, there is a medieval market, pilgrimage services, services for all ages – plus much more!
Another highlight of the festival is the opening concert, which this year will take place in Nidaros Cathedral and feature performances by BBC Singers, Trondheim Soloists and Jon Fosse.
Three forces will come together to perform the oratorio Pilgrim, which is inspired by St. Olav and was recently performed in Orkney.
The choir is an essential artistic force in Norway, spreading Christian faith. They are renowned for their beautiful singing and ability to reach out to people across the country. With an extensive calendar of events and library of recordings, the choir continues to inspire faith-based communities with beautiful music.
Since 1991, they have been performing their unique blend of traditional Norwegian folk music with rock. Throughout the years, they have earned numerous awards and toured around the globe.
Their most beloved song is “Beautiful Savior”, one of the top Christian hymns worldwide. Their message has inspired millions to embrace Christianity as their faith.
For visitors seeking something different during their trip to Norway, the St Olav Ways are an ideal option. These ancient pilgrim trails lead to stunning Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
If you are interested in exploring Norway’s religious history, a trip to Trondheim is definitely worth taking. This city boasts the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral which was constructed over Saint Olav’s burial site and remains one of Scandinavia’s most impressive Gothic structures.
Lofotr Viking Festival
The Lofoten Viking Festival in Norway’s Lofoten Islands is a must-attend event that celebrates the culture and history of ancient Scandinavian peoples. Throughout live performances, reenactments, traditional crafts and cuisine, visitors are immersed in this region’s Viking heritage.
Visitors to this museum can explore the Viking age through interactive exhibits, a reconstructed chieftain’s longhouse and the world’s best-preserved 9th-century Gokstad Viking ship. Additionally, they are welcome to partake in activities related to Viking culture such as blacksmithing or weaving.
On the island of Borg, this museum in the Lofoten archipelago is a must-visit for anyone interested in Viking history. It houses one of the largest reconstructed Viking houses ever discovered as well as numerous archaeological sites that showcase this region’s vibrant Viking past.
Visitors to these reconstructed houses and archeological sites are welcomed for guided tours, providing an insightful look into Viking Age life as well as the islands’ stunning natural splendor.
On Norway’s Lofoten Islands, visitors flock to the area for its reconstructed Viking houses and historical exhibits. It provides one of the most authentic and immersive experiences available in Norway.
For nearly two decades, the Lofotr Viking Museum has hosted an annual festival that draws crowds of visitors to its reconstructed longhouse surrounded by dramatic sea cliffs. Throughout five days of battle shows, concerts, games and trading events, this five-day event appeals to adventurers of all ages.
Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum to witness one of the largest reconstructed Viking houses in the world, as well as one of the best-preserved 9th-century Viking ships. Additionally, explore the blacksmith’s forge and Viking boathouses for even more insight.
Norway celebrates its Viking heritage through various festivals and events. However, three of the most renowned are St. Olav Festival, Lofotr Viking Festival and Hafnarfjordur Viking Festival.
Each July, thousands of visitors flock to Scandinavia’s largest open-air stage for reenactments of the Viking age and Battle of St. Olav. Other events include a feast, concerts themed around Viking culture and performances of The St. Olav Drama – performed annually for over fifty years on that stage!
Vikinglag Festival
If you’re a fan of Viking history, you’ll be thrilled to know that Scandinavia hosts numerous festivals honoring this culture. While some events are simply marketplaces with replica artifacts for sale, others feature full-scale reenactments of Viking life. Additionally, some events combine trading, cosplay and reenactments for an even wider appeal.
Trondheim, Norway’s capital during the Viking age, hosts an annual festival called Vikinglag that showcases craftsmen using traditional Viking techniques. This is an excellent chance to learn about its heritage and meet skilled artisans willing to share their skills.
At the end of July, Stiklestadir Market offers visitors an immersive Viking experience. Craftspeople showcase their skills and offer workshops for visitors to try out various crafts such as archery or woodworking. It truly is a wonderful week-end!
Experience an exhilarating atmosphere as Vikings from around the world descend upon this festival to share their culture and history. In addition to the stalls, there’s also the Viking Games Open where both participants and observers can test their balance, strength and precision in five different sports.
Music fans will have plenty of choices with bands such as Moonsorrow, Gaahls Wyrd and Unleashed among many others playing at this festival.
Kids will appreciate bands such as Rotting Christ and Ensiferum, which offer an introduction to Viking history and culture.
The main stage is surrounded by tall trees and an impressive recreation of a Viking feasting hall. It provides an idyllic setting to listen to the bands perform while enjoying cold beers with friends.
While at this festival, be sure to visit Rockheim – a museum dedicated to pop and rock music. The Vikings were passionate about this culture, so this museum provides an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in it.
Stiklestadir Market
The Stiklestadir Market is one of Norway’s most beloved festivals. It offers battle reenactments, costumed entertainers and Viking-era food – as well as providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about Norway’s rich cultural heritage. It also serves as a great chance for everyone to get acquainted with one another and celebrate this important event!
Hiking from Indalsalven river valley up Skalstugevagen to Igloen takes about an hour. At its crossing point, you’ll pass mountain peaks and reindeer pastures en route.
After Igloen, you’ll pass through the village of Sulstua, where there are various accommodation options. From here you can continue hiking along the Stiklestad trail – where Olav Haraldson fell during battle on 29 July 1030 – through lush green scenery where you can reflect on your own internal journey while on your trip.
At the end of the trail, there is Stiklestad Kirke church built on the spot where King Olav fell in battle. Behind the altar lies a stone that Olav rested his head against during his final moments. Constructed in 1150, this structure was later extended.
Groups can stay overnight at the medieval longhouse at Stiklestad National Culture Centre, which features its own guesthouse and is surrounded by nature. The hotel provides free WiFi and has a restaurant serving dinner, drinks, and small dishes.
This hotel is only 10 minutes away from Verdal and Trondheimsfjord, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation. Each room has its own seating area, work desk and flat-screen satellite TV for added entertainment.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and complimentary parking when you stay at this award-winning hotel. Its restaurant and bar collaborate with award-winning regional suppliers to provide delicious dining.
In addition, the hotel features a sportsmen’s challenge with five-station trap and rifle ranges and an archery range. Guests can also test their skills at spear-throwing and animal track identification.
Stiklestad’s Nasjonale Kulturhus is an impressive complex that commemorates the Battle of Stiklestad and features a museum, folk museum and church. You can also tour a reconstructed longhouse to get an insight into medieval life.
