On a low hill above a lake sits the largest Viking-age building yet found in Scandinavia, rebuilt full size with its hearth lit and its looms working.
In 1983 a farmer ploughing at Borg turned up fragments that led archaeologists to the post holes of an enormous hall. It was the seat of a chieftain, first built around AD 500 and extended to 83 metres.
Finds included gold foil figures, glass from the Rhineland and pottery from France, signs of a lord with long-distance contacts.
The Lofotr Viking Museum has rebuilt the hall at full size near the original site. Inside, guides in costume tend the fire, weave on the warp-weighted looms and serve lamb stew and mead in the feasting hall.
In summer you can row a replica longship on the lake below. It is the right half-day for bad weather.
Start with the finds, then walk up to the hall.
The excavation story, the gold foil figures and a short film.
Walk the path past the marked outline of the first hall.
Smoke, firelight and costumed guides in the rebuilt house.
In summer, take an oar on the replica ship in Borgpollen.
See the forge, then walk the short trails round the farm.
On the E10 between Leknes and Svolvær; buses stop at the gate.
Buy at the door or online; the Viking feast in summer needs booking ahead.
