— Ch. 1 · The Discovery At Borg —
Lofotr Viking Museum.
~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
In 1983, archaeologists uncovered the Chieftain House at Borg on the island of Vestvågøya. This large Viking Age building was believed to have been established around the year 500 AD. A joint Scandinavian research project ran from 1986 until 1989 to study the site. Excavations revealed the largest building ever found from the Viking period in Norway. The foundation measured 42 meters long and 7.5 meters wide. The reconstructed building stands 11 meters high. The seat at Borg is estimated to have been abandoned around AD 950.
Engineering The Longhouse
Norwegian architect Gisle Jakhelln designed the main building for the museum. He chose to reconstruct the chieftain's house slightly north of the original excavation site. The new structure spans 83 meters or 272 feet in length. It includes a blacksmith's forge alongside the main hall. Two ship replicas stand as part of the complex near their boathouses. One replica matches the full scale size of the famous Gokstad ship. These choices aimed to immerse visitors in life during the Viking Age.Exhibitions And Reenactments
The Lofotr Viking Museum opened its doors in 1995 after years of work. Visitors enter two permanent exhibition halls today. Videos and unique artifacts display the finding and excavation of Borg within these spaces. A film theatre sits nearby to show historical content. The outdoor area features gravel walking paths that connect all sites. Guests can go on board the Viking ship to see the surrounding views. They try to grasp the value of the landscape and what it offered in the Viking Age.Delays From Ancient Sites
In September 2006, organizers planned an enlargement of the facility. They intended to build a large amphitheater into the ground between the reception building and the Chieftain House. This project was postponed due to unexpected archaeological findings. Workers discovered some 2,000-year-old cooking sites at the location. Pole holes also appeared during the digging process. New buildings have since been constructed on this excavated part of the museum.Recognition For The Museum
Lofotr Viking Museum received nominations for major awards in recent years. It was nominated for Museum of the Year 2011 in Norway. The institution also received a nomination for the European Museum of the Year Award 2013. The administration is located in the former parsonage of the Borge Church. The museum operates daily from the 1st of May to the 15th of September each year.