We want you to become a Freeman!
Becoming a Freeman of Njardarheimr
Becoming a Freeman of Njardarheimr is an opportunity to experience the Viking age in an unique and extraordinary way. However, not everyone can become a Freeman just like that. Freeman status is a privilege awarded to those individuals who show that they are dedicated, hardworking and kind hearted. In order to start your journey into the Viking age, we ask you to fill out this form so that we may get properly acquainted! And who knows, soon we may be sharing a horn and a story around the fireplace.
The concept of Viking Valley
But what is Njardarheimr exactly? Well, the name “NJARDARHEIMR” refers to “the home dedicated to, or given by, the Norse God Njord”, and indeed ancient spirits dwell here. It is also known simply as the Viking Valley. The concept is a historical, living and working Viking settlement, where the Viking age and the excitement of history is brought to life. Visitors of our village will not only be able to look at history, but also able to interact with it. They step back in time to experience and feel the Viking age for themselves.
Besides displaying elements of the Viking age Njardarheimr has the ambition to become a “hands on” oriented educational park dedicated to forging memories and granting perspective. We aim to become a platform for archaeological and historical research that is accessible to all. Whether it is storytelling, ancient handcrafts, art or just a good conversation, Njardarheimr is so much more than just a piece of history, it’s part of the future.
About the Viking town
It took a long time to get the Viking town build (and a reasonable amount of blood, sweat and tears) but the stubborn Vikings prevailed! The Viking town has now reached the end of stage two where it includes 26 buildings occupying a total of 2000m2 plus 10000m2 of pasture area. When level five is completed in a couple of years, it will in total consist of just over 40 buildings, including a 110x30 feet party hall, a Viking shopping centre, workshops, guest house and a high stavechurch-like ceremony building. Furthermore, in the future the surrounding area will be filled with Viking experiences outside of the village, in other words, there is much work to be done. During the construction of the houses experiments where conducted with traditional building techniques. You’ll find stave church construction, Viking age are styles and Ox blood all over.
Njardarheimr is located in beautifull Gudvangen, one of the most stunning places in Norway and beyond. It has about one million visitors every year! Under the load roar of waterfalls it gazes silently over the Fjords of Norway into the mist’s beyond, who knows what the future may bring.
The owner of Njardarheimr
Gudvangen Utvikling AS (GUAS) is a locally owned developing company that was founded to create activities and work in a sustainable way, respecting our history and unique nature and the profit will be used to continue expanding. The owners already manage individual local companies with an annual turnover of 150 mill Nkr. which should prove the professionality of the organization. All the income generated by the town goes directly back to running, mainitaining and improving the town. It's the ultimate combination between a non-profit mindset and a sustainable future.
Why become a Freeman:
If after this introduction you are still wondering why one would choose to become a Viking in Njardarheimr, don’t worry! We have made a shortlist with some of the most important reasons why living in the Viking age is just the thing for you:
· You get to be a Viking in a Viking town in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet.
· You will have the chance to be part of the Njardar Saga, the story of our village.
· You get to be a part of a close and friendly community of interesting individuals.
· You will have the opportunity to learn and discover from professional crafters and dedicated Vikings.
· You will have the possibility to sell your hand crafted goods.
· You will live in a small Viking house, and hold on, is that the smell of a campfire?
What do we expect from our Freeman:
Although we aim to have a lot of fun, becoming a freeman is serious business. Njardarheimr is a busy and unique location with visitors from all over the world and days with loads of pressure. When you come to our Village we want you to enjoy and feel at home, but also realise that you are truly a part of the Valley and understand your role therein. So we expect a couple of things from our Freeman:
· Being an active and engaging part of our Viking town based on mutual agreement.
· Having your own historically accurate Viking age equipment and an interest in the historical time period.
· Agreeing to the general rules and codes of conduct in Njardarheimr
· You understand what Njardarheimr is and want to be a part of that.
When can you come?
All year round there is the possibility to come and join us! Based on your contribution to the Village, the availability of space and your available time many things are possible. We are open all year and therefore you are also welcome all year. In case we can come to an agreement we can make the necessary booking for you. The number of houses is limited and if everything is full you may need to use a tent.
So you want to become a Freeman, what’s next?
First you start by filling out the application and registration form below. If you already know, please also state the dates you want to stay. Then we will contact you with more information about the rules of Njardarheimr and what you need to know and do next. If all goes well we will have a meeting in one form or another and then, you guessed it, Viking time!
For more information visit:
www.vikingvalley.no/
www.facebook.com/vikingvalley/
WELCOME TO GUDVANGEN AND WELCOME TO NJARDARHEIMR!