Boligdelen. Foto Kjell Ove Storvik
The longhouse at Borg is a reconstruction of the original chieftain’s house. The reconstruction is located next to the original site where the excavations took place. This shows the last phase of the building (the 900s). The chieftain’s house is 83 meters long and 12 meters wide, and was completed in 1995, when the museum was inaugurated.
The original house was divided into some distinct parts, which the archaeologists in the excavation identified based on how artifacts were distributed, where there were fireplaces, and the content of phosphate and ammonia in the ground. The reconstruction is divided into five rooms, three of which are main rooms.
RESIDENTIAL PART
The archaeologists believe this part of the house contained sleeping quarters for those who lived in the longhouse, and that it was here that everyday life took place, work was done, food was prepared and eaten.
FEAST HALL
This was the place for celebrations and rituals, and where the chieftain had his high seat. Apart from events such as blots, we believe that the room was also used in everyday life. The most precious finds from the excavation were concentrated here.
BARN
This room would have been a barn and stables for livestock in the Viking Age. In today’s reconstruction, it contains an exhibition of sculptures and figures depicting Yggdrasil and mythological beings from Norse mythology.
Vikings in the house
In the chieftain’s house you can see some examples of what life could have been like at Borg in the Viking Age. By visiting the chieftain’s house, you get the opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience for all the senses: the smell of a fire, the taste of food made with ingredients from the Viking Age, look at the décor and architecture, try dressing up as a Viking yourself and listen to stories.
CRAFTSPEOPLE
Our craftspeople work on a range of fascinating projects, including textile work, leather shoemaking, woodcarving, and more. They are happy to demonstrate their craft and welcome any questions you may have.
GUIDES
Curious about the Viking Age? Ask our guides in the longhouse. They are available to answer questions and demonstrate objects found in the chieftain’s house.
