The Borre Viking Market is one of Norway’s most atmospheric historical gatherings, set among ancient burial mounds on the shores of the Oslofjord. For a few days each summer, Borre National Park fills with tents, traders, craftspeople, warriors, and families who step into Viking Age daily life. You can browse handmade goods, watch fighting displays, listen to storytelling and music, and taste traditional food, all with the fjord glinting just beyond the trees.
If you are wondering whether the Borre Viking Market is worth a stop on your Norway itinerary, the short answer is yes. It is among the most authentic and scenic Viking experiences in the country, combining a serious focus on craft and living history with a friendly, welcoming vibe. Plan to spend at least half a day, and if you love history or travel with kids, you may want a full day and then some.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get there, what to expect, and the small practical details that make a visit smooth and memorable.
What Is the Borre Viking Market
The Borre Viking Market is an outdoor living history event hosted in Borre National Park in Vestfold, between Horten and Tønsberg. The park is home to some of the largest Viking Age burial mounds in Scandinavia, a landscape that gives the market a powerful sense of place. Alongside the market you will also find Midgard Viking Centre, a museum and reconstructed feast hall that add depth and context to the experience.
Expect a village of period tents and stalls where artisans sell wool garments, leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, wood carving, and historically inspired gear. There are reenactment groups from across Norway and abroad, so you will see clothing and equipment that follow archaeological finds rather than fantasy. The atmosphere is lively but grounded in heritage, which is part of the charm.
When It Happens and How To Plan Your Visit
The market typically takes place in summer, often across a long weekend. The dates can vary year to year, so always check the official channels before you lock in plans. Arriving early in the day gives you more space to browse before the midafternoon rush. If the weather is sunny, late afternoon light across the mounds and fjord is beautiful for photos.
There is usually a program with timed activities. Common highlights include weapon drills or combat demonstrations, storytelling circles, textile and smithing demonstrations, and music performances. Pick up a program at the entrance so you can time your browsing around the shows you most want to catch.
Getting There
Borre is in Vestfold, about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Oslo by car, traffic depending. If you are driving from Oslo, follow the E18 and exit toward Horten, then continue to Borre National Park. Parking areas are signposted during the event. Spaces near the entrance can fill quickly, so arriving earlier in the day helps.
Without a car, take a regional train to Tønsberg or Skoppum and connect by local bus or taxi to Borre. From Moss, there is a car ferry across the Oslofjord to Horten, which can be convenient if you are coming from the eastern side of the fjord. Build in a little buffer time when relying on connections, since rural bus frequencies vary.
Tickets, Payments, and Practicalities
Entry arrangements can change with each edition. Sometimes the market area itself is free to enter while certain activities or museum entry require tickets, and sometimes the whole event area is ticketed. Check the current setup before you go.
Norway is widely cashless and many stalls accept cards, but mobile signal can be patchy on busy days. Bring a backup payment option, such as a card and a small amount of Norwegian cash. You will also see signs for Vipps, the Norwegian mobile payment app, which is useful if you already have a Norwegian account. International visitors usually cannot set up Vipps without a Norwegian bank, so do not rely on it.
Toilets are provided, and there are food stands inside the market as well as cafés and shops in Horten a short drive away.
What To See And Do
Set your own pace. Some travelers like to circle the whole market first to get a feel for what is on offer, then return to their favorite stalls. Others settle in near the fighting arena or the music area and let the day unfold. Either way, give yourself time to watch the craft demonstrations. Viking Age textile work, wood carving, and blacksmithing are more absorbing than you might expect when you can smell the wool or hear the ring of the anvil.
If you are interested in historical clothing or gear, ask respectful questions. Artisans are usually happy to explain materials and methods. Many items are made to last, and the level of craftsmanship is high. If you see something you love, buy it when you see it, since small-batch items may not be there later in the day.
Food And Drink
You can expect hearty, simple fare such as grilled meats, stews, flatbreads, and pastries, along with coffee, mineral water, and soft drinks. Seating is often at communal benches, which adds to the social feel. Norway has strict alcohol rules, so any beer or mead service depends on licensing for that year. If there is a serving area, it will be clearly marked, and you must stay within it. When the weather is warm, the open lawns are perfect for picnics, so consider bringing a blanket and snacks if you like a slower lunch.
Visiting With Kids
Borre Viking Market is very family friendly. Children tend to enjoy the open space, the spectacle of costumed warriors, and any hands-on activities. Look for simple craft stations, junior shield walls, or storytelling sessions. Pack sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and layers, because coastal weather can swing from warm to breezy. Strollers handle the lawns reasonably well, though wider wheels are more comfortable on grass.
Accessibility And Event Etiquette
The grounds are mostly lawns and compacted gravel paths. Visitors with mobility concerns can reach the market area and museum, but parts of the field can be uneven. If you use mobility aids, it helps to have someone who can assist on the grass sections. There are accessible toilets near the main facilities.
A few polite reminders keep the experience good for everyone. Do not touch weapons, tools, or textiles without permission. Reenactors may be in the middle of an activity, so wait for a natural pause before asking questions. Dogs are welcome in the national park on leash, but event rules can vary, so check any posted restrictions at the entrance and always clean up after your pet.
Where To Stay Near Borre
The closest base is Horten, which has hotels, guesthouses, and some seaside cabins. Tønsberg, about 20 minutes away, offers a wider range of accommodation and restaurants, plus a lively summer harbor scene. If you prefer nature, look for campgrounds along the Oslofjord within a short drive of Borre. Booking early is smart during peak summer, especially if the market coincides with other festivals in Vestfold.
Make It A Weekend: Nearby Viking And Coastal Highlights
You can easily fill a weekend around Borre. Start or end your visit at Midgard Viking Centre, right next to the market area, to understand the archaeology of the mounds and view exhibitions. The reconstructed feast hall nearby gives a strong sense of Viking social life.
Drive to Tønsberg to walk up to Slottsfjellet for fjord views and explore the town’s Viking connections. The region is dotted with coastal trails and beaches, including quiet coves south toward Åsgårdstrand. If you enjoy maritime history, the Oslofjord museums across Vestfold and Østfold tie the Viking story to later seafaring traditions.
What To Pack
Summer in coastal Vestfold is usually mild, but the fjord breeze keeps you on your toes. Pack a light rain jacket, a warm layer, and comfortable shoes that you do not mind getting a little dusty or damp. A hat and sunscreen are wise on clear days, and a reusable water bottle saves money and plastic. If you enjoy photography, the market’s early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for portraits and candid shots.
Responsible Visiting In Borre National Park
Borre is not just a backdrop. The mounds are protected cultural heritage, and the surrounding forest is a living ecosystem. Stick to marked paths on the burial fields, respect any barriers, and keep picnics on the grassed areas away from the mounds. Take your litter with you, and be considerate with drones or large tripods, since they can disturb both people and wildlife.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary
Arrive around opening time and park in the designated areas. Stroll the market loop to scout the stalls, then watch a morning craft demonstration. Break for an early lunch at the food stands, and catch a combat demonstration afterward. Spend the early afternoon shopping for souvenirs and chatting with artisans. Finish with a slow walk through the burial mounds and a visit to Midgard Viking Centre before you head to the beach or your hotel in Horten or Tønsberg.
Final Pointers
- Confirm this year’s dates, hours, and entry arrangements before traveling.
- Bring a reliable card and a little cash as backup.
- Wear layers and good walking shoes.
- Plan time for Midgard Viking Centre to round out the day.
The Borre Viking Market blends serious history with the simple joy of being outdoors in a stunning coastal landscape. With a bit of planning and an open schedule, you will come away with unique handmade finds, great photos, and a clearer sense of how Viking life might have felt along the Oslofjord.