Bergen to Gudvangen: Viking Market Tour & Private Guide

Summary

Viking crafts, fjord valleys and Bergen’s old stories on a summer day

You’ll meet real modern-day Vikings in Gudvangen, try your hand at axe throwing or archery inside Njardarheimr Village, taste local food for lunch, and travel through Norway’s wild fjord valleys with stories from your guide along the way. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back in Bergen.

What’s the experience like?

Li was the first person we met that morning — he had this wild red beard and a laugh that bounced around the van as we left Bergen behind. He asked if we’d ever tried “flatbrød” before (I hadn’t), then handed us some, still warm from his backpack. It tasted kind of nutty, a little dry but good with the air so fresh it almost stung my nose. The drive out of Bergen felt like flipping through postcards: lakes so still you could see every cloud, little wooden farms tucked into impossible hillsides. I kept trying to take photos out the window but mostly just ended up with blurry sheep.

We stopped at Tvindefossen waterfall — you can actually feel the spray on your face if you get close enough. There’s this low roar that drowns out everything else for a minute. Li pointed out Voss as we passed through (“famous for adrenaline junkies,” he said) but today was all about slowing down. When we finally reached Gudvangen, the Viking Market was already buzzing — people in linen tunics haggling over hand-forged knives, kids chasing each other with wooden swords. I tried to say “takk for maten” after lunch at the hotel (I think I butchered it), and one of the women selling jewelry just grinned at me like she’d heard worse.

The main event is Njardarheimr, the Viking Village itself. We joined a guided tour with a local who looked like he’d stepped straight out of history — except he had an iPhone tucked in his belt. He showed us how they make chainmail (it’s heavier than you’d think), and let us try axe throwing. I missed every time but honestly? The sound of laughter echoing off those steep green mountains made it worth it. The market stalls smelled like woodsmoke and leather; there was something grounding about it all, even with tourists milling around.

On the way back toward Bergen, Li offered to stop wherever we wanted — there was a spot overlooking Nærøyfjord where the light hit just right and everyone went quiet for a second. It’s strange how some places make you feel small in a good way. We rolled back into town around six, tired but kind of wishing we could do it all again next weekend.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour from Bergen to Viking Market

• Start tour in Bergen city
• Pass through Voss town
• Stop at Tvindefossen waterfall
• Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewpoint
• Arrive in Gudvangen for lunch
• Visit Njardarheimr Viking Village
• Drive to Bakka village for scenery
• Return via Voss town
• End tour in Bergen at 6pm

Top questions

How long does the Viking Market tour from Bergen take?

The tour lasts 9-10 hours including travel time between Bergen and Gudvangen.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Gudvangen?

You’ll have time for lunch at either the local hotel’s restaurant/café or inside the Viking Village; meals are not pre-paid but options are available on site.

Are entrance fees to Njardarheimr Viking Village included?

Yes, entrance tickets to Njardarheimr are included in both regular and private tour options.

Can we make photo stops during the drive from Bergen?

Yes, since this is a private tour your guide will stop wherever you’d like for photos or breaks along the route.

What activities can I try at Gudvangen Viking Market?

You can browse artisan stalls, watch craftspeople work, join guided tours in Njardarheimr Village, and try archery or axe throwing.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes; infants and small children can join using prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Does this day trip include pickup from my hotel in Bergen?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup arranged from agreed locations in Bergen city center.

When does the Gudvangen Viking Market take place?

The market runs only during July and August each year.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Bergen with bottled water provided along the way; all entry fees for stops like Njardarheimr Viking Village; an experienced local driver-guide who shares stories (and maybe snacks); plus flexibility to pause for photos or just breathe in those fjord views whenever you want before returning by early evening.