Gulatinget - in the Vikings' footsteps

Gulatinget was the largest thing (parliament) in Norway from 900 to 1300 AD. Here, the oldest preserved law in the Nordic countries - the Gulating law - was made. Follow the Vikings' footsteps in this trip to Gulen.

Distance: 114 km
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Best time of year: Check opening hours at gulatinget.no.

Map with details of the trip

Western Norway played an important role in the Viking Age. One of the first royal Viking farms we know of is Alrekstad in Bergen. (Later Årstad). The farm was the royal estate for Harald Hårfagre (Harald Hairfair) and several of his successors: Eirik Blodøks (Blood Axe), Håkon the good and Olav Tryggvason. These first kings moved with the court from to farm. From these royal farms, the kings ruled their kingdom. Read more Alrekstad on Grind.no.

 Gulatinget - The thing wall. Photo: Knut Bry

Gulatinget - The home of the oldest law in the Nordic countries

The Vikings came to the Gulating to meet the king, pass laws, judge in cases and discuss political issues. Now you can come to Gulen, a thousand years later, and learn more about the Vikings, their laws and how the collections of "things" (assemblies) laid the foundation for society as we know it today.

At the Gulating Millenium Park in Flolid you get a guided tour with storytelling about the Viking Age. The Gulating Millenium Park, Flolid, is also a great hiking area with walkable trails.

Accomodation in the area: Gulating Hotel, Skjerjehamn, Brekkestranda Fjordhotel