Jernaldergarden Stavanger

Jernaldergarden Stavanger (Jernaldergården, the Iron Age Farm) is a reconstructed farmstead built on the very site where archaeologists uncovered the remains of a real settlement. It lies about 3 km from central Stavanger, near the Ullandhaug hill, and is regarded as the only attraction of its kind in Norway. The site sits at roughly 58.9414 N, 5.6939 E.

What is Jernaldergarden?

It is an archaeological site combined with an open-air museum. The farm dates to the Migration Period, roughly 350–550 AD. Rather than looking only at drawings and display cases, visitors can walk among reconstructed buildings and get a sense of what daily life for a farming family might have looked like before the Viking Age.

How was the site discovered?

The remains of the farmstead were excavated in 1967–1968. Based on those findings, the buildings were reconstructed in 1972–1973 on the original site. That means the reconstruction does not stand in an arbitrary spot but exactly where people lived more than a thousand years ago.

What can you see there?

The farm consists of timber longhouses with turf roofs. Sources differ on some structural details, so it is worth paying attention to the information boards and the guide's explanations. A visitor centre with an exhibition and a café is on site, making it easy to combine the visit with a break.

Are there guided tours?

Yes. Tours are given in Norwegian and English. On certain days, especially Sundays, there are often demonstrations of old skills and food cooked over an open fire. It is a good chance to see how people managed cooking, crafts and everyday life in the demanding Norwegian climate without modern conveniences.

When is the best time to visit?

The farm is closed in winter, although booked groups can visit all year round. Opening hours and season dates change, so check current information on the official website before you go. The same goes for the address: sources list two different street names, so confirm the right one before you start navigating.

Frequently asked questions

Are these the original buildings? No. The buildings were reconstructed in 1972–1973, but they stand on the original archaeological site that was excavated beforehand.

What period does the farm come from? The Migration Period, roughly 350–550 AD, the era before the Viking Age.

How far is it from central Stavanger? About 3 km, so getting there from the city does not take long.

Are tours available in English? Yes, tours run in both Norwegian and English.

Can I get food or coffee there? There is a café at the visitor centre.

Is it open all year? Not for everyone. It is closed to regular visitors in winter, while groups can visit with a booking. Check the current schedule before your trip.

Who is it for?

Jernaldergarden suits anyone interested in history and archaeology, families with children looking for a living history lesson, and travellers who want to see a side of Stavanger beyond the harbour and old town. Combined with a walk around the Ullandhaug area, a visit makes for a few relaxed hours among greenery, and it helps you understand how life on Norway's south-western coast looked long before the city took its present form. Take your time, listen to the guide and look closely at how the houses are built, because those details best show how resourceful the region's early inhabitants were.