Nordfjordeid is the administrative centre of the municipality of Stad in Vestland county, western Norway. It is located at the end of the Eidsfjorden, an arm of the main Nordfjorden, west of the large lake Hornindalsvatnet. The village of Stårheim is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) to the west, the village of Mogrenda is about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to the east, and the village of Lote is about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the southeast.
Nordfjordeid as seen from the air (2021)
The town is a commercial hub for the municipality and greater Nordfjord region. It includes several industries, such as timber, agriculture, electronics and commerce. It is the shopping hub for surrounding villages and towns, due to the shopping center and commerce streets. There are five primary schools, one lower secondary school and an upper secondary school connected to the Opera House in the town.
Eid Church is also located in the town and it is the main church for the municipality. The European route E39 highway passes by Nordfjordeid on its way from Bergen to Ålesund. Norwegian National Road 15 passes through the town on its way from Måløy to Otta. Nordfjordeid is located approximately nine hours from the national capital of Oslo, five hours from the city of Bergen, and three hours from the city of Ålesund by car. The closest airport, Sandane Airport, Anda (SNDL) is 45 minutes from the town.
The 2.32-square-kilometre (570-acre) town has a population (2018) of 2,974 and a population density of 1,282 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,320/sq mi).[1]
Etymology
During the Viking Age, Nordfjordeid was referred to as Eygis or Eid, meaning the inner most part of a fjord. Nordfjord directly translated means 'North Fjord'. The kingdom of Firda was known as the kingdom of the fjords, and was divided into Sunnfjord and Nordfjord, meaning South Fjord and North Fjord. In old Norse the administrative region of Nordfjord was referred to Nyrðri hlutr sýsla and later Nordfjorð sýsla at the time of the Gulating.
Thus Nordfjordeid is a literal description of the location of the town: the inner part of the northern fjord.
History
Pre History
Old Stone age
The oldest archeological discovery made in Nordfjordeid is over 6,000 years old. An axe from the Paleolithic Period. The area was well suited for fishing and hunting during the Stone Age, however little is known about human activity during this period.[3]
Neolithic and Bronze age
During the late Stone Age, there was a transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture. In Nordfjordeid there is archeological evidence of human settlements dating back to the late Neolithic and Bronze Age. Remains of pits used for cooking, firepits, stone axes, technical production establishments, and up to ten huts have been discovered in the area known as Golvsengane. This is believed to be the predecessor settlement to the Myklebust farm that was central during the later Iron and Viking Ages.[4]
Viking age
During the 7th century, the farm Myklebust (mykill) was the home of the Viking king, Audbjörn Frøybjørnsson, who ruled the kingdom of Firda (Firðafylkí). Myklebust was the largest farm in Nordfjordeid (Eygis) and the center of power in Firda. Based on archeological evidence it is assumed that Nordfjordeid was the home of a family dynasty that ruled the area for centuries prior. The inhabitants were known as Norðfirðir, and were mainly farmers and merchants. There were archeological finds of Saxon objects that originated from Ireland, thus it is believed that the Vikings of the farm participated in the Great Heathen Army, that conquered eastern Mercia during the 8th century. Nordfjordeid was strategically well placed, with large amounts of land available for agriculture, timber and other natural resources. The residents could easily prepare for incoming attacks as the only way to arrive was through the Eidsfjord, offering many vantage points, allowing early warnings when unknown travelers were spotted. Being close to the coast made travel easy, both north and south in Norway, and also toward England.
Audbjörn was killed during the second battle of Solskjel in 870 against Harald Hairfair. Harald was on a quest to unite Norway under one rule leading to the Unification of Norway. Audbjörn wanted to maintain the current structure of petty kingdoms in Norway, in order to maintain his power. When news arrived that Harald was marching south from Trondheim, with a massive army; Audbjörn and King Arnvid of Sunnmøre gathered an army to defend their territories. A massive battle ensued with many casualties on both sides. Both kings fell during the battle.
The battle of the Viking Kings
Audbjörn was returned home to Nordfjordeid, and buried in the gravemound known as "Rundehogjen" with the original Myklebust Ship. Excavations of the burial mound in 1864 resulted in the findings of a male skeleton aged approximately 25–35 with shoulder damage resulting from a sword or axe. The age of the ship and skeleton date back to the late 800s, confirming that Audbjörn was buried in the location.
Siege of Mørejarl Ragnvald
After the death of Audbjörn, his half brother Vemund Kamban became the ruler of Firda by birthright. Vemund rallied the remaining men in preparation for Harald arriving at Stad the next spring. Harald elected not to travel further south during the Autumn due to the challenging conditions in the area.
Instead his ally, Jarl Ragnvald of Møre was instructed to defeat Vemund. He sent spies over the mountains to report of Vemund.
Later the same year, there was a large gathering at the Naustdal farm, 10 km from Nordfjordeid. Vemund and 90 of his men participated in festivities at the farm. There was a large banquet, when Jarl Ragnvald traveled to the farm during the night aware of Vemunds location due to his spies. Ragnvald and his men set fire to the building where all of Vemunds men were sleeping. Killing them all, along with the King. This ended the reign of the Myklebust dynasty, and Harald successfully took control.[5]
Drawing of a basket of shield bosses found within the Myklebust viking ship in Nordfjordeid
Middle ages
Shift to Christianity
During the Middle Ages there was a shift to Christianity. Nordfjordeid was Christianized when King Olav Tryggvason in 997 called a meeting with the peasants of the area. The peasants arrived peacefully, but were met by Olav and his army. The peasants were given the choice of converting to Christianity or death. Faced with overwhelming force, the peasants converted, resulting in Nordfjordeid and surrounding areas becoming Christian.[6]
Queen Ingerid Ragnvaldsdotter and the Stodrheim dynasty
Árni Ívarsson á Stoðreimi (Arne of Stodrheim) was named Lendmann of Bergenhus Len by the king. Today Stodrheim is known as the village Stårheim.
Queen Ingerid settled in Stårheim (Stodrheim) 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Nordfjordeid. Arne controlled the entire Western coast of Norway from his home in Stårheim. Ingerid was later murdered in an attack by a rival clan.[7] The Stårheim dynasty continued to be influential throughout the Middle Ages. Bishop Nicholas Arnesson was among the children of Arne and Ingerid.
Stave church and burning of the Myklebust farm
Around 1000 the first church in Nordfjordeid was erected on the Myklebust farm, on the same grounds the Vikings had their place of worship. This was a stave church, described as well decorated. It was dedicated to Mary Magdalene and named the St. Mary Church. This church at the time acted as the regional administrative center, strengthening the power of the Myklebust farm.[6]
The church was lost when the entire Myklebust farm burned to the ground in the early 1200s. A new church was erected in the 13th century, in Mel slightly north of Myklebust.[8] During this period the town acted as a harbor, all trade and communication with Bergen to the eastern parts of Nordfjord went through Nordfjordeid.
Barons and Bjørgvin
During the later Middle Ages the Myklebust farm was part of the Nordfjord Estate. Owned by Baron Audun Hugleiksson. In 1306 the Barons were abolished by the King, who took control over their fiefs and other possessions. In 1361 the King turned over control of the Nordfjord Estate to the Lensherre og Bjørgvin.
Military age
Nordfjordeid was transformed during the 1600−1800s from a mainly agricultural society to one more focused on trade. The Myklebust farm was during this period owned by the priest Jens Bugge and his heirs. It was gradually split into several smaller farms. By 1863 the Myklebust farm had been divided into a total of eight.
Establishment of the Military training grounds
In the early 1600s there was established a military training ground in Nordfjordeid, on the Osnes farm. The grounds were used to train soldiers from surrounding areas. The establishment was responsible for training around 300 soldiers annually. During battalion training there could have been up to 1200−1500 soldiers in the area. The soldiers rented private property during training; this had a large positive impact on the local economy, leading to economic growth in the town.
In modern times the military training ground is known as Malakoff. A rock festival with the same name is held there annually.
Trade boom
Tradesmen within areas such as bakers, shoemakers and smiths enjoyed massively increased revenue. This led to the formation of the old town street, known as Eidsgata. Filled with shops, and residential buildings.[9] The first trade business is believed to have been established in 1638 on the Gjerde farm.
The military training grounds and amfi theatre.
World War II
Early in the Second World War, in April 1940, a defense battalion of 110 soldiers was stationed at the military training grounds in Nordfjordeid, ordered there by General Steffens as part of the forces mobilized for defence the West Coast from the German invasion. The war for the West Coast ended on 1 May 1940 when Steffens fled north from Sandane when overwhelmed by the invading forces.
British escape
British soldiers fled to Nordfjordeid through Stryn, by walking over the mountains, attempting to get to the coast after the battles in Gudbrandsdalen. Twenty-nine soldiers were smuggled from Nordfjordeid to the coast where they were saved by British warships.
Nazi war school
Once the German occupation of Norway was under way, the Germans constructed installations to house up to 1000 soldiers in Nordfjordeid. From 1943 the training grounds at Nordfjordeid became a war school for the Wehrmacht. The school was known as Kampfschule Nordfjordeid. It was a recruit school, and also offered anti-tank courses, skiing courses and educated petty officers.[10]
Weapon smuggling
The Norwegian resistance movement established an arms smuggling route from the island of Silda to Nordfjordeid. From Norfjordeid the route fed into the eastern parts of Norway.[11] The activity was discovered in 1943, three men from Nordfjordeid were arrested by Gestapo and sent to a Nazi concentration camp.[12]
The bombing of Wartheland
On 12 December 1944, twenty-three allied aircraft participated in a bombing campaign targeting a German ship convoy stationed close to Nordfjordeid. The convoy consisted of three trade ships and two military escort ships. They were traveling from Ålesund to Bergen.
20 de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito aircraft attacked the convoy. The 4,000-ton Wartheland was hit, capsizing less than 200 meters from the Nordfjordeid shoreline. Three German soldiers were killed in the attack. The wreckage can still be found today in the fjord.[13]
Nazi capitulation
After the Nazi capitulation in 1945 the remaining German soldiers stationed in Sogn og Fjordane, were all sent to Nordfjordeid, before returning to Germany. The soldiers were forced to build a football field in Nordfjordeid before returning.[11]
Tourism
Nordfjordeid is a growing tourist destination, situated in the fjords of western Norway, it is within short travel distance to many of the most popular destinations in the area. Hundreds of thousands visit each year. Forbes has highlighted the town as a "must-see" ahead of more famous alternatives within the fjords of Norway. Highlighting the untamed nature and history of the region.[14]
Cruise
Since 2019 Nordfjordeid has operated a cruise ship port. In 2019 it received nineteen ships with 60,000 visitors. After the COVID-19 pandemic the number rose to 57 ships in 2022, and grew to 70 calls in both 2023 and 2024. One of the fastest growths for a port in Europe ever recorded..[15]
The port of Nordfjordeid has a cruise terminal and a SeaWalk. The SeaWalk is 220-metre (720 ft) long and 4.2-metre (14 ft) wide. Floating on eight wave-damping pontoons with a capacity of more than 4,000 passengers per hour it can carry a passenger load of more than 300 metric tons (300 long tons; 330 short tons). SeaWalk consists of three bridges, two link pontoons and the hinged landing section. The bridges are 72-metre (236 ft) long. The walkway is approximately 200 centimetres (79 in) above sea level and the railings are 110 centimetres (43 in) high.[16]
Attractions
There are many tourist attractions in this area. Nordfjordeid has a rich Viking history and military history. The fjords and mountains offer attractive views to visitors. In addition due to its location visitors can easily travel to other top destinations on the Vestland (West Coast), such as the West Cape, and world heritage fjords such as Geiranger.
Sophus Lie Conference Center
Nordfjordeid is the location of the Sophus Lie Conference Center for mathematics.[17] Notable mathematician Sophus Lie was born in the town in 1842.[18]
The Norwegian Fjordhorse Center is a national resource centre for Norway's national symbol: the Fjord horse, located in Nordfjordeid. Nordfjordeid is known as "the Mecca of the Fjord Horse". The reason for this is historic, because the village is famous for its long-standing horse traditions. Stallion shows have been held in the town since 1886. Today, the village has an active community of Fjord horse owners and breeders. It is in this environment steeped in tradition that the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre is based, and it is not uncommon to meet Fjord horses on the local roads. The Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre is a resource centre for the Fjord horse and runs an information and advice service for all matters relating to this all-Norwegian horse breed. One of the centre's main functions is to promote the breeding and use of the Fjord horse. Many courses are held at the centre throughout the year, and Fjordane Folk High School's horse programmes use the premises for teaching activities.[19]
Nordfjord Golf Park
The Nordfjord Golf park is a 9-hole golf course located along the Eid river (Eidselva). The course is considered by many to be one of the best golf courses in Western Norway. It is administrated by the local Nordfjord Golf Club.[20]
The Myklebustship deck, as seen from inside the Sagastad museum.
The most visited attraction in Nordfjordeid is the Sagastad Viking Center, a museum that houses a replica of the largest viking longship ever discovered in Norway, the Myklebust Ship.
The content in the exhibition is anchored in research in collaboration with the University of Bergen and the Medieval Cluster. The ship is located in the middle of the center, surrounded by interactive exhibitions that are mainly related to the ship and the other grave finds in Nordfjordeid. The center opened May 10, 2019, and has year-round operations with opportunities for parties, concerts, lectures and other events.[21]
The building is located near the fjord, with a slipway allowing for sea launching of the ship. In 2019 the center had over 20,000 visitors, during the COVID-19 pandemic it was partially closed, receiving only 8000 guests in 2020, and 9000 in 2021.
The building is also used as a cultural center, hosting concerts and other cultural events. The unique architectural design of the building with one giant room, and a polished aluminum roof results in very unique acoustics. The ship building technique used by the boatbuilders to construct the Myklebustship is now listed under UNESCO world heritage.[22] The Myklebust ship is believed to have belonged to King Audbjørn of Firda.
Nature
View from Sagatindene
Geirangerfjord and the famous glacier at Briksdalen which attracts numerous international tourists every year are close to Nordfjordeid. There are several trails close to the town center, with marked paths to ensure easy travel. There are many possibilities of fine hiking in the mountains, either north or south, surrounding the town, a hiking trail starting near the Lote Tunnel going south leads to a magnificent 900-metre (3,000 ft) high view over other arms of the Nordfjorden and splendid area.
Harpefossen ski resort
Harpefossen Ski Resort is situated in the Hjelmeland valley, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the center of Nordfjordeid. Harpefossen is the largest, most complete resort in the county, offering slopes of some 550 metres (1,800 ft), starting at 300 m (980 ft) above sea level. Harpefossen's varied terrain is well known nationally, and its geographical position ensures regular powder snowfall throughout the season. There are seven ski lifts, thirteen well-groomed trails, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) of pathways for cross country and a trail network running through five idyllic mountain summer farms. A separate biathlon arena forms part of the cross-country trails, and both resorts and the cross-country trails are floodlit ensuring good evening visibility.[23]
Located next to the old town street, where the shoreline used to be, lies a burial mound known as Rundehogjen. It is the burial site of the Viking King Audbjørn of Firda. This is where the largest viking long ship ever discovered was unearthed: the Myklebust Ship. The gravemound is located on the Myklebust farm, the oldest establishment in Nordfjordeid.
Excavation was carried out in 1864 by Anders Lorange, however half the mound still remains unexplored. Today it is possible to visit the mound, and even walk on it.
Eid river
Spanning over 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) the Eid (Eidselva) is a river that flows through Nordfjordeid. It has its outlet from the Hornindalsvatnet and extends down to the Eidfjorden in Nordfjordeid. The river is famous for its salmon fishing, the largest salmon ever caught in the river was 27.6 kilograms (61 lb). It was caught by Martin Hjelle in 1944. The fishing season is from June to the end of August. The river is listed as a national salmon river by the Norwegian government. This offers it special protection against harmful interventions and activities in the watercourses and against aquaculture and pollution.[24]
The Eid river
The Eidselva has a total length of 58.5 kilometres (36.4 mi) including Horndøla and Terdøla. The average water flow is 25.99 cubic metres per second (918 cu ft/s). The watercourse is affected by watercourse regulation in that 5 percent or 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) of the high-lying field to Horndøla is laid in pipes. The precipitation field is 428.48 m2 (4,612.1 sq ft).
There are traces of human activity along the river dating back to the Viking Age. It is believed to have been used for timber transport and access to water, for drinking and cleaning. During the military age of Nordfjordeid, the river was used by woman to clean the clothes of soldiers in the area known as Jektehola. The river was central in the development of the docks.[25]
Festivals
Malakoff Rockfestival is an annual music festival, with a primary focus on rock music. It is held in Nordfjordeid. The festival has developed considerably since its debut in 2003. Both national and international artists appear in featured lineups. The festival is hosted on the old military training grounds, using the old amfi theatre for its secondary stage, while the main stage used for headliners is located to the south of the grounds.
The festival attracts over 30,000 attendees, and lasts for three days.
The building also houses a cinema, and a library and is connected to the local upper secondary school. The main stage is 14-metre (46 ft) wide, and 10 m (33 ft) deep, with a capacity of 530 seats. Of these, 218 seats are located in the gallery. When the orchestra pit is in use, capacity is 484. The chamber is specially constructed and adapted for acoustic music, using the same techniques as found in the Oslo Opera House.[26]
The local opera company known as Opera Nordfjord has annual productions in the building. Both opera and operetta are produced, alongside family productions such as musicals and ballet productions. The productions are a hybrid of professional soloists in cooperation with the local amateur choir.[27]
In addition to Opera, the main stage is also used for concerts in other genres, stand-up comedy, monologues, conferences and also the annual school musicals, produced by the local upper secondary school.
The old town street
Eidsgata during the summer
The old town street known as Eidsgata is a collection of old protected wooden buildings from 1700 and 1800. The street is a popular tourist attraction and also houses different shops, cafés and other local offerings.[28]
The Old Bank
The old bank building (Gamlebanken) was built in 1882 by the bank Nordfjord Sparebank. The building remained a bank until 1961 when it was repurposed as a library. In 1997 the bank was repurposed as a cultural building used for art exhibitions and cultural events. Today the building houses a tourist information and has several art exhibitions and events throughout the year. The building is a central part of the old town street.[29]
The old bank
Gymmen
Situated next to the Opera House, the Gymmen building is used as a stage and recording studio. It houses many concerts throughout the year. Local bands use the building for recording and practice, and there are club nights, conferences and offerings for local youth. The main stage can host up to 250 standing guests, or 150 in a seated arrangement.
