Photo; Ann Kristin Andersson
The launching of the Myklebust ship has become a highlight where history, craftsmanship, tradition, and dedication come together in a celebration where past and present meet by the fjord. We are now almost ready for this year’s event—ready to bring history to life! Welcome to Sagastad and Nordfjordeid, April 23–26.
Program
Thursday April 23rd
We’ll spend most of the day launching the Myklebust ship. Bring a camping chair and settle in to watch the process. The ship will first be pulled out of Sagastad and positioned correctly—this will take place at low tide between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Later, once the tide is coming in, we will pull the ship out onto the fjord, after 12:00 p.m. The operation is highly dependent on weather conditions and the tides, so times may change.
08:00 Sagastad café opens
Approx. 08:00–10:00 the ship is pulled out and positioned
12:00 Tattoo artist Thor-Erik Gjerde is at Sagastad
After 12:00 the ship is launched
The ship is placed in the marina for plymming. The café closes.
Other local offers;
Today’s Viking dinner at Magnifikk.
Friday April 24th
The ship will lie in the marina to soak, allowing the wood to absorb seawater. In the afternoon, the ship will be drained and equipment brought on board, ready for its first voyage. Historian Anne Irene Risøy will give a talk about women in the Viking Age in Norwegian language. We will host an opening ceremony and celebrate the maiden voyage at Sagastad, with light refreshments including authentic pit-roasted lamb prepared in the Viking tradition, and entertainment featuring, among others, Unni Løvlid. The event is open to ticket sales.
12:00 Tattoo artist Thor-Erik Gjerde is at Sagastad
13:00 History talk with historian Anne Irene Risøy – Kvinner i Vikngtid (in Norwegian)
17:00 Official opening of the Viking weekend with ceremony and speeches
- First voyage (approx. 19:00)
- Mini concert with Unni Løvlid
- Mingling and tasting of pit-roasted lamb
- The bar is open until 23:00
Other local offers;
Today’s Viking dinner at Magnifikk.
Saturday April 25th
The Vikings have taken over the village, with a Viking camp open to all and a special focus on activities for children! . The Myklebust ship will make three voyages on the fjord, and in the evening there will be a grand feast and a concert by Eid Mannskor. The evening event is open for ticket sales.
10:00 The Viking camp opens (10:00–18:00). With games and activities throughout the day
10:00 Morning voyage with the Myklebust ship
10:00 Sagastad Café opens (10:00–17:00)
10:30 Sword play for kids
12:00 Tattoo artist Thor-Erik Gjerde is at Sagastad
13:00 Voyage with the Myklebust ship.
14:00 Weapons demo in the Viking Camp.
15:00 Viking games in the Viking Camp.
17:00 Voyage with the Myklebust ship
19:00 Feast with food and drinks, and a concert by Eid Mannskor
00:00 Sagastad closes
Other local offers;
Today’s Viking dinner at Magnifikk.
Sunday April 26th
We continue with voyages and activities in the Viking camp. Historian Anne Irene Risøy gives a talk about how the Vikings would play games and compete (in Norwegian language). Archaeologist Morten Ramstad, who led the excavations at Rundehågjen (the burial site of the Myklebust ship and King Audbjørn), will join us to share the fascinating discoveries made by him and his team (also in Norwegian). The café will be open, offering light refreshments (accessible only to those with a ticket for the history talk during the session).
10:00 The Viking camp opens (10:00–16:00). Activities and games throughout the day.
10:00 Morning voyage with the Myklebust ship
10:00 Sagastad Café opens (10:00–17:00)
11:00 History talk with historian Anne Irene Risøy – Viking games and competitions in the Viking Age (Norwegian language)
12:00 Viking games in the Viking Camp
12:00 Tattoo artist Thor-Erik Gjerde is at Sagastad
13:00 Voyage with the Myklebust ship. Buy tickets for this voyage here.
13:00 Sword play for kids in the Viking Camp
14:00 Weapons demo in the Viking Camp
15:00 History talk – The Myklebust Ship with Morten Ramstad (Norwegian language. Buy tickets here.
17:00 Voyage with the Myklebust ship
Other local offers;
Today’s Viking dinner at Magnifikk.
Monday April 27th
The Myklebust ship is brought back into Sagastad and prepared for the opening of the visitor centre’s season on April 28.
Take a look back at the 2025 launch below while you wait!