Nordfjordeid

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.

[4] During the 7th century, the farm Myklebust (mykill) was the home of the Viking king, Audbjörn Frøybjørnsson, who ruled the kingdom of Firda (Firðafylkí).

Based on archeological evidence it is assumed that Nordfjordeid was the home of a family dynasty that ruled the area for centuries prior.

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.

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.

Audbjörn was returned home to Nordfjordeid, and buried in the gravemound known as "Rundehogjen" with the original Myklebust Ship.

The age of the ship and skeleton date back to the late 800s, confirming that Audbjörn was buried in the location.

There was a large banquet, when Jarl Ragnvald traveled to the farm during the night aware of Vemunds location due to his spies.

Faced with overwhelming force, the peasants converted, resulting in Nordfjordeid and surrounding areas becoming Christian.

[6] Árni Ívarsson á Stoðreimi (Arne of Stodrheim) was named Lendmann of Bergenhus Len by the king.

Ingerid received the title Queen Consort as she was previously married to King Harald Gille.

This church at the time acted as the regional administrative center, strengthening the power of the Myklebust farm.

[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.

The soldiers rented private property during training; this had a large positive impact on the local economy, leading to economic growth in the town.

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 soldiers fled to Nordfjordeid through Stryn, by walking over the mountains, attempting to get to the coast after the battles in Gudbrandsdalen.

[10] The Norwegian resistance movement established an arms smuggling route from the island of Silda to Nordfjordeid.

[12] On 12 December 1944, twenty-three allied aircraft participated in a bombing campaign targeting a German ship convoy stationed close to Nordfjordeid.

[13] After the Nazi capitulation in 1945 the remaining German soldiers stationed in Sogn og Fjordane, were all sent to Nordfjordeid, before returning to Germany.

Many courses are held at the centre throughout the year, and Fjordane Folk High School's horse programmes use the premises for teaching activities.

The ship building technique used by the boatbuilders to construct the Myklebustship is now listed under UNESCO world heritage.

Geirangerfjord and the famous glacier at Briksdalen which attracts numerous international tourists every year are close to Nordfjordeid.

Harpefossen Ski Resort is situated in the Hjelmeland valley, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the center of Nordfjordeid.

Harpefossen's varied terrain is well known nationally, and its geographical position ensures regular powder snowfall throughout the season.

During the military age of Nordfjordeid, the river was used by woman to clean the clothes of soldiers in the area known as Jektehola.

Artists such as Ylvis, Oselie, The School, Bertine Zetlitz, Marit Larsen, Lukestar, Jim Stärk, Animal Alpha, Åge Aleksandersen, Eye Emma Jedi, Svelekameratane, and Turbonegro have performed.

The chamber is specially constructed and adapted for acoustic music, using the same techniques as found in the Oslo Opera House.

[1] In 2018 Kari and Michael Pavelich were awarded a royal distinction, the King's Medal of Merit for their 20 years of work and commitment connected to Opera and culture in Nordfjordeid.

Nordfjordeid as seen from the air (2021)
The battle of the Viking Kings
Drawing of a basket of shield bosses found within the Myklebust viking ship in Nordfjordeid
The military training grounds and amfi theatre.
Fjord Horses by the fjord in Nordfjordeid
The Myklebustship deck, as seen from inside the Sagastad museum.
View from Sagatindene
The Eid river
The Operahouse in Nordfjordeid
Eidsgata during the summer
The old bank