Iron Age Farm - This reconstruction shows how a farm house dating from the Iron Age would look like. It is built and maintained by volunteers and is located just outside the town of Orvelte, into the fields of wheat and buckwheat.
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Iron Age Farm

4.7
·38 reviews·, Norway

Step back 1,500 years at this reconstructed Iron Age farm, offering hands-on Viking-era activities and authentic longhouses.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During guided tours

Engaging history brought to life

CrowdMedium
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Iron Age Farm - This reconstruction shows how a farm house dating from the Iron Age would look like. It is built and maintained by volunteers and is located just outside the town of Orvelte, into the fields of wheat and buckwheat.

Iron Age Farm

Best Time

During guided tours

Engaging history brought to life

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back 1,500 years at this reconstructed Iron Age farm, offering hands-on Viking-era activities and authentic longhouses.

4.7
(38 reviews)

"Absolutely worth seeing. Very nice and extremely competent guides and a really interesting place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding and interacting with the history. Guides are knowledgeable and in costume!

🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff

Staff speak excellent English and are very welcoming, enhancing the visitor experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Longhouses

Authentic Longhouses

Ullandhaug

Step back in time inside these reconstructed dwellings, offering a glimpse into daily life from 350-550 AD.

Interactive Viking Activities

Interactive Viking Activities

Farm grounds

Try your hand at archery, sword fighting, or even starting a fire with flint – fun for all ages!

Costumed Guides

Costumed Guides

Throughout the farm

Engaging guides in period clothing share insights and demonstrate historical practices, making history vivid.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for an Authentic Experience

Visit during guided tour times to truly immerse yourself in the Iron Age. These tours, often led by costumed interpreters, bring the history to life and offer hands-on activities. Arriving outside these times might mean a less engaging visit, as noted by some travelers.

Embrace the Hands-On History

This isn't a museum where you just look; it's a place to do. From archery and sword fighting to fire-making and jewelry stamping, the interactive elements are a major draw. Come ready to participate and make your visit memorable.

Best Times

When
During guided tours
Why
Engaging history brought to life
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yero Travels - Iron Stone Age Farm Stavanger, Norway, 300 Years Before The Vikings #wearecruise #celebritycruises #norway #stavangernorway #vikings
b.s.yero
9 likes • 97 views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding and interacting with the history. Guides are knowledgeable and in costume! InstagramReddit

🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff

Staff speak excellent English and are very welcoming, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

Miss working at the Iron age farm. It's such a magical place ✨ . . . . . . . #ironage #ironagenorway #viking #ladyofthehouse #history #ilovehistory #nerd #spring #sheep #outside #funwork #missthis
ceeaa
43 likes • 456 views
Wishing you all a magical week, from Jernaldergården🎵 📍Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug, Stavanger 🇳🇴 🇧🇷👇🇧🇷 Desejando a todos uma semana mágica desde Jernaldergården 🎵 📍 Fazenda da Idade do Ferro em Ullandhaug, na cidade de Stavanger 🇳🇴 #magicalmoments #music #openairmuseum #museoarcheologico #norwaytravelers #spectacularnorway #dicasdepasseios #passeio #dicasdeviagem #vikings #visitnorway #norwa...
suitcase_caroline
124 likes • 989 views

💰 Reasonable Entrance Fee

Great value for money, with discounts often available for other Stavanger museums. Reddit

:athletic_shoe: Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the farm and participating in activities, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug is a reconstructed farmstead from the Migration Period (350-550 AD). The farm is located around three kilometers from the Stavanger city center, with a magnificent view of the Northern Jæren region and Hafrsfjord. The farm is as the only farm of its kind in Norway, reconstructed on the original archaeological site. The three houses have equipment and domestic uten...
mc.vintageswing
290 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Essential for understanding and interacting with the history. Guides are knowledgeable and in costume! InstagramReddit

🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff

Staff speak excellent English and are very welcoming, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

💰 Reasonable Entrance Fee

Great value for money, with discounts often available for other Stavanger museums. Reddit

:athletic_shoe: Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the farm and participating in activities, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

:iphone: Capture the Moment

The farm offers a unique historical backdrop for photos, especially with the costumed interpreters. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(38 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Iron Age Farm for its authentic reconstruction and engaging, hands-on activities. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, often in period costume, are a highlight, bringing history to life. While some note its small size, the reasonable price and interactive nature make it a worthwhile and memorable experience for all ages.

"We visited whilst on a cruise that stopped in Stavanger. The staff we were very helpful and friendly and all of them spoke excellent English. The farm is very small with only three buildings, but you learn quite a bit about how the vikings lived, and there are lots of hands on things to do which entertained the adults and the children in our group, such as archery, sword fighting, making a fire with flint or stamping your own jewellery. The entrance fee is also very reasonable. The only reason I've given it 4 stars, rather than 5, is because it is small and we were only there for just over an hour."

Gavin Kingsley

"Small reconstruction of an iron age village. We walked through 3 buildings. The tour guide was very good. He and others were dressed in period clothing.

The whole visit took about an hour, and is well worth your time."

William Siddall

"Absolutely worth seeing. Very nice and extremely competent guides and a really interesting place. Easy to reach by bus from the port. Absolutely recommendable!"

Michael Decker

What People Like

Authentic reconstruction
Hands-on activities
Friendly costumed guides

What People Dislike

Relatively small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Iron Age Farm is conveniently located about 3 kilometers from Stavanger city center. Many visitors reach it by bus from the port, making it an easy excursion for cruise passengers. InstagramReddit

Yes, it is easily accessible by public transport. Buses from Stavanger city center will take you close to the farm, making it a straightforward journey. Reddit

It's a pleasant walk of about 3 kilometers from Stavanger city center. This allows you to enjoy the surrounding scenery on your way to the farm. Instagram

While specific details on parking availability can vary, it's generally recommended to check local transport options or consider public transport for ease of access. Reddit

Cruise ship passengers often find it very easy to visit the Iron Age Farm. It's a popular excursion, and staff are accustomed to assisting visitors arriving by bus from the port. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local listings closer to your visit, especially to align with guided tour schedules. Reddit

The entrance fee is quite reasonable, often around 100 NOK (approximately 9 EUR). This price offers good value for the experience. Reddit

Yes, purchasing a ticket often grants you discounts at other museums in Stavanger, making it a cost-effective way to explore more of the city's history. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required, especially for individuals. However, for groups, it's always a good idea to inquire about reservations. Reddit

Your ticket typically includes access to the reconstructed farmstead and participation in the guided tours, which are a highlight of the visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore authentic reconstructed longhouses, learn about daily life from costumed guides, and participate in hands-on activities like archery and sword fighting. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half at the farm, especially if they participate in a guided tour and activities. Reddit

Yes, short guided tours are available without reservation, led by knowledgeable staff in traditional dress, which is highly recommended. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The hands-on activities like archery and sword fighting are particularly entertaining for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

The farm is a reconstruction from the Migration Period, specifically dating back to 350-550 AD, offering insights into life before the Viking Age. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. The reconstructed buildings and costumed interpreters provide excellent opportunities for unique historical photos. Instagram

The interiors of the longhouses, the farm grounds with the reconstructed buildings, and interactions with the costumed guides are all great for photography. Instagram

Often, yes! The interpreters are part of the experience and may be happy to pose for photos, especially during less busy periods. Reddit

The longhouses have a rustic, historical ambiance. While natural light is present, it can be dim, contributing to the authentic atmosphere. Reddit

Visitors often capture the historical reenactment aspect, the architecture of the longhouses, and the interactive elements like archery. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Iron Age Farm is a fantastic destination for families. The hands-on activities are a huge hit with children, offering them a chance to try archery, sword fighting, and even learn ancient fire-starting techniques. Reddit The costumed interpreters make history engaging and relatable, turning a history lesson into an adventure. Instagram It's a great way to spark curiosity about the past in a fun, interactive environment. Reddit

Keep in mind that while the farm is small, the interactive elements can keep kids entertained for a good portion of your visit. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the grounds. The reasonable entrance fee and the potential for discounts at other museums make it a budget-friendly option for a family outing. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

For those visiting Stavanger on a cruise, the Iron Age Farm is an easily accessible and highly recommended excursion. It's located just a short bus ride from the port, and the staff are well-versed in assisting cruise visitors. Reddit The experience offers a unique glimpse into Norway's pre-Viking history, providing a different perspective than typical Viking-themed attractions. Instagram

Given its manageable size and the engaging nature of the guided tours and activities, it fits perfectly into a day trip itinerary. You can easily spend an hour to an hour and a half here and still have plenty of time to explore other Stavanger attractions. The reasonable cost and the opportunity for discounts at other museums add to its appeal for cruise passengers looking for value. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Life in the Migration Period

The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug offers a tangible connection to Norway's past, specifically the Migration Period (350-550 AD). This era predates the more commonly known Viking Age, providing a unique perspective on early Scandinavian life. The farmstead is meticulously reconstructed on its original archaeological site, featuring authentic longhouses that showcase the living conditions, architecture, and daily routines of people from over 1500 years ago. Instagram+1

Visitors can step inside these structures and imagine life without modern conveniences. The guides, often dressed in period clothing, are crucial to this immersive experience. They not only explain the historical context but also demonstrate traditional crafts and practices, making the past come alive. This hands-on approach is a key reason why the farm is so engaging for all ages. InstagramReddit

Unlike many museums, the Iron Age Farm encourages active participation. Activities such as archery, simulated sword fighting, and even learning to start a fire using flint and steel allow visitors to connect with the skills and challenges faced by people in this ancient period. This interactive element transforms a simple visit into a memorable adventure. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

Planning your visit to the Iron Age Farm is straightforward, with accessibility being a key advantage. Located just a few kilometers from Stavanger's city center, it's easily reachable by bus, making it a popular choice for cruise ship excursions. InstagramReddit The entrance fee is notably reasonable, offering excellent value and often including discounts for other Stavanger museums, which is a great bonus for history buffs. Reddit

To get the most out of your experience, timing your visit to coincide with the guided tours is highly recommended. These tours, led by enthusiastic interpreters in historical attire, are where the farm truly comes alive. They provide context, demonstrate skills, and answer questions, significantly enhancing understanding and engagement. InstagramReddit While the farm itself is relatively small, with only a few buildings, the depth of interaction and the quality of the historical reenactment make it a worthwhile stop. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be exploring the grounds and potentially participating in activities. The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and excellent English, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for international visitors. InstagramReddit Photography opportunities abound, from the rustic interiors of the longhouses to the dynamic demonstrations by the costumed guides. Instagram

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