Avaldsnes Kongsgård estate

The estate was located in the present day village of Avaldsnes in the county of Rogaland.

Avaldsnes was one of the five similar estates the king built along the Norwegian west coast.

Over time, the estate became a significant bastion for the Birkebeiner party during the Norwegian civil war era.

The fortified, castle-like estate residence, with a great hall, secret passages, residential chambers and a tall watchtower, was likely built some time during the 12th century and is mentioned in letters written by kings Eirik II Magnusson and Håkon V Magnusson.

[5] While it was well known for a long time that Avaldsnes had played a significant role in the Norwegian Viking age and Middle Ages, the size, extent and appearance of the fortified estate at Avaldsnes was relatively unknown until archeological excavations dere made during the summer of 2017.

Avaldsnes Kongsgård estate was located right next to Avaldsnes Church , formally known as St. Olav's Church .