The Viking hall "Gildehallen"

Gildehallen is located at Midgard Viking Centre in Borre, Horten. This reconstructed Viking Age feast hall offers a glimpse into the buildings where powerful chieftains and leading families gathered for feasts, ceremonies and important occasions. With its central fireplace, carved wooden pillars and decorative details, the hall brings Viking Age craftsmanship and traditions to life.

A Viking hall inspired by archaeological discoveries

Gildehallen opened in 2013 and was reconstructed using archaeological discoveries from Borre and theories about the appearance of the great halls of the Viking Age. Much of the timber was worked by hand using tools and techniques inspired by the period. Look closely at the carved entrance portal, wooden roof shingles and decorated pillars inside the hall. The carvings draw on Norse mythology and Viking Age ornamentation. Among the motifs are Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn.

Where chieftains gathered

During the Viking Age, large halls were important gathering places for powerful families. Feasts, ceremonies and meetings helped strengthen relationships, alliances and social standing. Archaeologists have discovered traces of large hall buildings at Borre. Together with the monumental burial mounds, these discoveries show the area's importance as a centre of power during the Iron Age and Viking Age. Continue your visit at the nearby Borre burial mounds to discover more of the area's history.

Guided tours and Viking experiences

Gildehallen is part of Midgard Viking Centre, where exhibitions, guided tours and activities introduce visitors to Viking Age life. During the high season, Midgard offers regular guided tours of Gildehallen. Guides explain the building's design, woodcarvings and the historical research behind the reconstruction. Private guided tours and Viking activities can also be arranged for groups throughout the year.

A Viking hall for private events

Gildehallen can be hired for weddings, anniversaries, corporate gatherings and other celebrations. Groups can arrange a Viking-inspired feast with food, storytelling and historical activities. For more information about private events, visit Gildehallen's venue listing. This booking page is currently available in Norwegian.

Plan your visit

Gildehallen is located at Birkelyveien 9 in Borre and follows the opening hours of Midgard Viking Centre. During the regular low season, the centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with extended hours for selected events. Mondays are also included during the high season and school holidays.

Admission to Midgard Viking Centre includes access to Gildehallen. Regular guided tours are included when scheduled, while private group tours must be booked separately. Accessible parking is available near the hall. Visitors with reduced mobility are advised to drive to Gildehallen rather than use the woodland path.

Visit the official Midgard Viking Centre website for current opening hours, admission prices and guided tours.