A Royal Welcome in Nordfjordeid On April 25, Nordfjordeid rolled out the red carpet to welcome HRH Crown Prince Haakon and Prince Sverre Magnus. The official visit began at the Sagastad knowledge center, where the Royals were greeted by a gathering of enthusiastic locals and a formal reception committee including County Governor Liv Signe Navarsete, Mayor Judith Kvåle, Chief of Police Ane Kvaal, Sagastad Chairman Kjell Arvid Storeide, Chairman of Stiftinga Sagastad Roger Bergset, General Manager Synnøve Aabrekk, Operations Director Aurora Leivdal, and Marketing Director Jacob Bredesen.
Photos: Øystein Torheim / Sagastad
Inside, the Royals received an in-depth tour of the exhibition, guided by Synnøve, Kjell, and Roger. The trio shared the extensive history of the Sagastad center, detailing the monumental community effort and meticulous craftsmanship required to complete the reconstruction of the Myklebust ship. Adding a modern dimension to the tour, Jacob Bredesen presented a brief look at the center’s unconventional approach to digital storytelling. He highlighted the unique marketing twists that have successfully transformed this local Viking heritage into a global social media spectacle, bridging the gap between history and a worldwide audience.
Photos: Øystein Torheim / Sagastad
Exploring the Roots of the Myklebust Chieftains Following the reception, the Royals visited “Rundehågjen,” the burial mound where the original 9th-century ship remains were discovered. They met with archaeologist Morten Ramstad from the University of Bergen, Stad municipality cultural manager Geir Holmen, and landowner Marita Melheim Myklebust. The conversation centered on the historical finds of 1874, the new excavations of 2024, and the ongoing application for UNESCO World Heritage status. While at the mound, the Royals experienced classic Western Norwegian weather, with the skies shifting rapidly from grey clouds to heavy snow and back to brilliant sunshine within minutes.
Photos: Øystein Torheim / Sagastad
Viking Battles and Local Culinary Delights Before taking to the fjord, the delegation paused for lunch at Magnifikk, hosted by chef Øyvind Bjørlo. Outside the restaurant, students from the “Viking life” program at Fjordane Folkehøgskule staged a lively sword and shield duel. The intense combat took a highly entertaining turn when the students suddenly dropped their weapons to settle the duel with a game of rock-paper-scissors, prompting loud laughter and applause from both the Crown Prince and the Prince.
Taking the Helm of Norway’s Largest Viking Ship The undeniable highlight of the day was the historic voyage on the fjord. The pier and seawalk were packed with expectant spectators eager to see the Royals in action. As the delegation arrived at the harbor, the Myklebust rowing guild stood in a striking ceremonial formation, their oars raised straight to the sky in a traditional salute.
After greeting the master boatbuilders who crafted the vessel, the Royals took their designated places at the oars. Following a brief snow squall, the sun broke through just as the 30-meter ship was rowed out onto the water. Both Crown Prince Haakon and Prince Sverre Magnus rowed alongside the 44-person crew and later took the helm to steer the magnificent vessel under the guidance of captain Rolf Nore.
Photos: Øystein Torheim / Sagastad
“A Profound Sense of History” Following the voyage, Crown Prince Haakon spoke highly of the experience and the deep roots of the region. “It is a rich history,” the Crown Prince remarked. “Viking history is, of course, an important part of our identity, and the foundation for Norway becoming a seafaring nation comes partly from here.”
Reflecting on taking the helm of the massive royal vessel, he noted the unique weight of the moment: “Rowing out here in these fjords and thinking that it has probably been done for thousands of years is incredibly fun to be a part of.”
He also shared a lighthearted reflection on his own efforts at the oars: “I think my rowing technique has some room for improvement, but it was absolutely fun to participate. I wouldn’t rule out joining another time.”
Photos: Øystein Torheim / Sagastad
Praise for the Community and the Rowing Guild The Crown Prince was quick to direct praise toward the local community and the master boatbuilders who made the reconstruction possible. “We talked with some of those who helped build the boat. That is exactly what they are good at here—making it exciting, engaging, and fun, so that you learn about history by doing things like this.”
When asked if he and Prince Sverre Magnus could now be considered part of the Myklebust rowing guild, the Crown Prince smiled. “I understand that is something you can’t just take for granted. You have to be invited in, but it is of course nice and an honor if one can say that one is a part of the rowing guild. There are over 200 people in the guild, so there is a lot of enthusiasm around this, and it’s not hard to understand.”
A Lasting Legacy The official visit concluded at the harbor, where the Royals took time to greet the gathered crowds before receiving commemorative gifts from Sagastad and Stad municipality. It was a day that left a profound mark on the Royal guests, the Myklebust rowing guild, and the entire community—a powerful celebration of our shared maritime heritage and a brilliant, historic milestone for Sagastad.
