Stavanger, Norway

Iron Age Farm & Utstein Abbey

Secular and Spiritual History Immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating past at an Iron Age farm and an ancient abbey on a remote island. Join your local guide for a drive outside Stavanger to the Jernaldergården Iron Age Farm. This faithful recreation of a farming community shows how ancient Norwegians eked out a living in a sometimes harsh climate. Visit the grass-roofed stone longhouses and learn how this and other building techniques helped early Norwegians survive. You will also venture to Mosterøy Island, passing through the Byfjord Tunnel en route; at four miles, it is one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels and dips to 731 feet below sea level. You will visit Utstein Abbey on the western end of the island, Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery. This was a royal estate in the time of King Harald Fairhair, around 1000 AD. It was established as an abbey in 1200 AD. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.