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Nærbilde av bordganger og nagler på vikingskipet til Hardraade vikingskipforening.

Boat Building

WELCOME

In an era when land traffic routes consisted of basic paths and bridleways, waterways slowly emerged as the primary arteries for transportation. Along the coast and across large fjords, vibrant shipping activity thrived at a high standard. With reverence for the ancient masters, Hardraade endeavors to safeguard traditional boat-building knowledge, ensuring it survives.

Hole and Ringerike were central and strategically important villages in Norway during the Viking Age. Great men and Viking kings were born here, men who have left deep traces in the Norway's history. 

In the sagas, there are multiple references to ships sailing on Tyrifjorden and Randsfjorden during the Viking Age. Legend has it that Olav the Holy constructed Bønsnes Church after making a promise to God: if he emerged unharmed from a storm on Tyrifjorden, he would build a church.

Båtbygger måler et stykke til tre til vikingskipet til Hardraade vikingskipforening.

THE PROJECT

The Hardraade project takes you on an exciting journey back in time. Here, volunteers, both experienced and inexperienced, participate in the construction of a full-scale Viking ship. 

 

This authentic ship, constructed using the same techniques used by the Vikings, will soon sail the Tyrifjorden in Norway. Our craftsmen perform traditional activities such as carpentry, sail making, forging, tar making, wood carving, and costume sewing.

ABOUT THE OAK

We construct the ship with meticulous care and adherence to tradition. The keel, frames, knees, and meginhufr (the long brace) are all crafted from solid oak. 

The hull below the waterline and the beams are also crafted from oak. 

Since large oak is protected in Norway, we brought the first trees from Denmark. However, we've subsequently managed to obtain some logs from Norwegian production areas.

En stor gran-stokk ligger omkranset av sagflis ligger på bakken på byggeplassen til Hardraade vikingskipforening.
Logo til Hardraade vikingskipforening.
Stor stokk med bøy kalt Meginhufr brukt til skroget på vikingskip.

OUR BOAT BUILDERS

The construction crew is led by a professional boat builder and we have many helpful volunteers. But everyone can join in, regardless of ability!

The group meets up athe shipyard every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and every Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Hot meals are served both days. 

 

If you want to join, you are most welcome! You decide which days you want to participate – no commitments, just a good atmosphere and fun times  when it suits you.

VISIT US

Are you interested in Norwegian Viking history, Viking kings and the Viking Age? Then you should visit us at Sundvollen in Hole. Only 1 hour to drive from Oslo :)

Here you can dive into the world of the Vikings, explore their lifestyle, boat building, clothing and beliefs. 🛡️⚔️

En gjeng vikingkledde frivillige bærer en stor stokk til vikingskipet til Hardraade vikingskipforening.
Vikingskipet til Hardraade vikingskipforening med knær og beter på plass.

If you want to join or have any questions -

just get in touch :)

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You will hear from us soon!

Address

Åsaveien 40

Sundvollen

Norway

Call US

Press Contact / Info

+47 93 61 22 63

Email

General Inquiries

Opening Hours (all year)

Saturdays:

11am - 4 pm

Thursdays:

 4 pm - 8 pm

Other days

Contact us

Go ahead and watch some videos

Did you know:

That Huginn and Muninn, Odin's ravens, flew over the world, Midgard, and gathered information every single day?

Follow Us on YouTube!

Striped cat chilling on a wooden shelf in the Hardraade forge.

Witness how proud oak trees are transformed into a Viking ship, how nails and tools are forged, how tar is burned to make the ship seaworthy, hear axes and hammers go wild, and listen to the stories from the Vikings behind the scenes.

 

A unique glimpse into Norway's Viking heritage!

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