Nestled peacefully at the head of the Eidsfjord, a tranquil arm of the mighty Nordfjord, lies the village of Nordfjordeid Norway. With a population of just 3,000, it retains the quiet authenticity of a working village.
Nordfjordeid is famous for being the home of the Myklebust ship, the largest Viking longship ever discovered, unearthed from a royal burial mound within the town itself. Nordfjordeid is also the undisputed “Mecca of the Fjord Horse,” the cherished national symbol of Norway.
This blend of epic Viking history and living tradition of the Fjord horse makes Norfjordeid a port of intriguing contrasts. So let me tell you all about the things to do in Nordfjordeid and how to craft your DIY excursion here.
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Nordfjordeid Norway: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
It’s absolutely 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy to organise your own DIY shore excursion at Nordfjordeid Norway. And here’s why:
- Cruise Terminal Minutes from Town Centre: Your ship will dock at a stone’s throw from Norfjordeid’s town centre, so you can just walk off the ship!
- Short Walk to Sagastad: You can walk to Sagastad Viking Centre, the burial mounds and the Fjord Horse Centre. All are within 10-20 minutes walk from the cruise terminal.
Nordfjordeid Norway: Where Your Ship Docks
Nordfjordeid Norway Cruise Port has a state-of-the-art, foldable floating pier that extends up to 250m (~820 feet) from the shore to meet the ship! So even if you’re arriving on a large ship, you can just walk off your ship and be at Nordfjordeid’s town centre in minutes!
Nordfjordeid itself is compact and very walkable. You can see the cruise pier and the entire town in the aerial photo above! Also, the world-class attractions I’ll share below are all within close proximity to Nordfjordeid cruise terminal, as well as to each other. So Norfjordeid is best explored on foot.
Nordfjordeid Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
- Currency: Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
- Cash or Card: 💳 Card! Norway is a largely cashless now, card payments (Visa/MC) are the standard. No need to visit the ATM!
- Language: Norwegian but English is widely spoken in tourist attractions, shops and restaurants.
- Official Tourism Website: Nordfjord.no
- Transport App: Use Google Maps for general navigation around the area
- eSIM for roaming in Norway: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSIM data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off with your first eSIM data pack when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout.
Nordfjordeid Cruise Port Map
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- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Nordfjordeid Norway: Top Things to Do
1. Sagastad Viking Centre
The undisputed centrepiece of Nordfjordeid is the Sagastad Viking Centre. Opened in 2019, this striking, black-clad building on the fjord’s edge is about 10 minute from Norfjordeid cruise terminal.
The Myklebust Ship: Stepping Aboard the Largest Viking Longship
At the heart of Sagastad is the Myklebustskipet (Myklebust Ship), a magnificent, full-scale reconstruction of the largest Viking ship ever found in Norway.
The original vessel was discovered in 1874, within a large burial mound called “Rundehågjen,” right in the center of Nordfjordeid. The burial is believed to have been for King Audbjørn, a powerful 9th-century ruler known as the “King of the Fjords“.
While the original ship was burned in a ritual burial, the artifacts and traces left behind allowed for this faithful reconstruction. Measuring an impressive 30 metres (~100 feet) in length, the experience is immersive. You can walk up a ramp and board the Myklebust ship and imagine what it would have been like as a Viking king sailing on her.
The Sagastad Experience: What to See & Do
Once you’ve inside the Museum, there’s more to do besides marvelling at the Myklebust ship. There’s interactive exhibits exploring the life of King Audbjørn and the fascinating rituals surrounding the ship’s burial, including a 20-minute film.
But the most fun part is probably the Virtual Reality (VR) experience. You can be teleported to a 3D recreation of 9th century Nordfjordeid. You can then explore the village, examine artefacts and even test your Viking archery skills 🏹😂 !
- How to Get There: Walk from Nordfjordeid Cruise Terminal along the waterfront in about 10 minutes
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 4pm from May to end September. But hours are generally extended when ships are at port. Double-check hours here for other months.
- Tickets: NOK 235 adults, NOK 130 kids aged 6-15, NOK 205 seniors (62+)
- Visit Duration: Budget time for at least 1-2 hours to enjoy both the film and the VR experience. Closer to 2 hours if you’re the sort to use the free audioguide as you wonder through museums.
- Bring: Charged smartphone if you’d like to use the audioguide function, as there’s no headsets available. You need to use your own phone.
Interested seeing a real Viking ship? If you feel disappointed to know that the Myklebust ship on display is a replica, then visit Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum in Bygdøy to see both the Gokstad ship (discovered in 1880) and the Oseberg ship (discovered in 1904).
2. Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre
Nordfjordeid’s identity is inextricably linked to the Fjord horse, one of the world’s oldest and purest horse breeds. The Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre is the national institution for the breed and that’s why Nordfjordeid is known as the “Mecca of the Fjord Horse“.
What Are Norwegian Fjord Horses Like?
Norwegian fjord horses are prized for being one of the world’s oldest, purest and most unique breeds. You’ll immediately notice that they’re compact! They are smaller than large riding horses but yet are muscular and powerful. They have an extremely thick double coat, built for harsh weather.
They are typically bi-coloured, with centre hair being dark, flanked by white hair. Sometimes they have zebra-like stripes on its legs. Norwegian fjord horses are known for being people-oriented and reliable. Most are exceptionally calm, gentle, docile and willing. So if you’re tempted to take them out for a ride (see below), it will be a gentle experience!
Sitron, Prince Hans’ horse in Disney’s 2013 animated feature film Frozen is a Norwegian Fjord Horse!
What to Do at Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre
You can take a guided tour of the facilities, meet the resident stallions and mares with their foals and learn about the breed’s integral role in Norwegian agriculture today as well as its place in Viking history. You can also book a riding trip on scenic trails around Nordfjordeid. If you’d like to do this as a DIY shore excursion, be sure to pre-book for your port day, as there’s very limited capacity and your cruise line would have likely booked up some of the capacity.
- How to Get There: Walk 20-25 minutes from Nordfjordeid cruise terminal. The walk is 1 mile (~1.6 km) one-way. Don’t walk there unless you have a reservation, because I don’t think there will be spare capacity on the day itself.
- Tickets: Visits are NOK 300 adults, 200 kids. 2 hr rides from NOK 1200.
Just want to see these Fjord Horses? These fjord horses are a common sight in the area and sometimes you can see them bathing in the Eidselva river – you can get there in 5 minutes if you turn right from the cruise terminal. Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see them though!
3. Historic Eidsgata
Historic Eidsgata is the main street of Nordfjordeid. It is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with well-preserved white-painted wooden buildings. You’ll find a variety of unique shops and cafes.
On the northern end of Eidsgata, you’ll find the modern Opera House and Eid Church (Eid Kyrkje). It’s worthwhile to step into the church to see the interior. It was decorated by the artist Lars Kinsarvik with traditional Norwegian rose paintings (rosemaling) in a distinctly national-romantic style. The church is open daily and is free to enter.
4. The Saga Trail
The land around Nordfjordeid is considered sacred ground, dotted with remnants of its Viking past. The best one to see this is via the Saga Trail – it’s a well-marked 1-mile (~1.5 km) path (one-way) from the Sagastad Centre to various Viking burial mounds. Of course, you don’t need to walk back to the Sagastad Centre when you’re done, so the return leg back to Nordfjordeid cruise terminal is slightly shorter. Overall, budget for a 2-mile walk (~3km).
Two of the mounds you’ll pass is the great royal mound of Myklebust, “Rundehågjen”, and the “Skjoratippen” burial mound. Archaelogists unearthed a Völva’s (seeress) magic wand at Skjoratippen, suggesting that the grave of a woman of great spiritual authority.
To do the walk, download a copy of the trail map here to your phones. There’s also a longer trail called “Nordfjordeid Sentrum”, with a path that takes you to all the major sites in
A Taste of Nordfjordeid: Local Food & Authentic Norwegian Souvenirs
On your walk down Eidgata, here’s a few suggestions on where to take a break and/or buy a snack – I have marked these on my Nordfjordeid Cruise Port map above:
- Minibakeriet: Come here and grab an awesome cinnamon bun for afternoon tea! There’s limited seating though, so take it “to-go”.
- Sjøkanten Café: Nice spot for a casual lunch, with spectacular views across the fjord. English menu available. It’s typical sandwich and salads lunch-fare.
If you’d like to have something more substantial or a multi-course lunch, you may be better off eating on your ship!
If you’re keen on doing souvenir shopping, then the two best spots in Nordfjordeid are either the Alta Nordfjord Shopping Centre – just a few minutes walk from Nordfjordeid cruise terminal or Eidsgata, the Main Street. If you’re shopping for yourself, then high quality Norwegian sweaters are a classic purchase. (They are expensive but very warm indeed!)
Beyond Nordfjordeid: Shore Excursions Further Afield
Your cruise line will undoubtedly offer tours to two of the region’s most popular attractions – the Loen Skylift and the Briksdal Glacier but you can also easily arrange these excursions with the local tour operator – I’ll show you how below. (Both attractions are almost impossible to get to on your own, unless you decide to rent a car for the day.)
1. Loen Skylift
The Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable car ascents in the world! The journey takes a mere five minutes from the fjord’s edge to the summit of Mount Hoven, 1,011 metres (~3,320 feet) above sea level.
When you get to the top of Mount Hoven, you’ll have a panoramic view of the entire Nordfjord region. Even in summer, you’ll see snow-capped peaks, the distance ice fields of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and the deep blue Lovatnet Lake below.
How to Plan the Loen Skylift Excursion from Nordfjordeid
- How to Get There: Easiest way is to book a return shuttle bus with roundtrip tickets for the Loen Skylift with the local tour operator Visit Nordfjordeid. On the day, you’ll be met at Nordfjordeid Cruise Pier.
- Journey Time: Excursion is 5 hours long. The bus ride from Nordfjordeid to Loen Skylift is about an hour one-way, leaving you with about 2 hours to enjoy the views on top of Mount Hoven
- Tickets: 1,495 NOK adults, 995 NOK kids
- How to Dress: Dress in layers, even in summer. Even if it’s sunny when you disembark at Nordfjordeid! Purely because of the altitude, it’s going to be much cooler on top of Mount Hoven than at ground level. So, bring a jacket and sunglasses.
Loen Skylift: What to Do at Top of Mount Hoven
Once you get to the top of Mount Hoven, here a few things to do in the 2 hours free time you have:
- Outdoor Viewing Platform: You can just enjoy the views from the outdoor viewing platform. When you’re ready for a break, head inside to the bar area where you can get coffee, cinnamon buns or ice cream. There’s also a full service restaurant if you’d like to grab a burger.
- Walking: The easiest trail is the trail marked #1 on this map. The trail is well marked and a return circular walk is 2.2 km (~1.4 miles). For most people, this will take about 30 minutes to complete the walk and return to the Skylift station. Note that there’s some stone steps on this walk but overall has minimal elevation and relatively easy walk. No need for a map – just follow the signs as the trail is well-marked.
2. Briksdal Glacier
The Briksdal Glacier is a famous and accessible arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. During the summer, there’s no need for crampons to complete the walk to the glacier.
How To Plan the Briksdal Glacier Excursion from Nordfjordeid
- How to Get There: Easiest way is to book the Briksdal Glacier excursion with local tour operator Visit Nordfjordeid. You’ll be driven to the Briksdalen mountain station – 90 minutes drive one-way. From there, there’s a scenic 3km (~1.9 miles) walk along the river, which takes about 45 minutes each way (ie. 90 minute return walk). There’s some uphill passages but overall, it’s a relatively easy walk.
- How to Dress: You’ll need a jacket, in case the weather turns. Please wear comfortable shoes with some grip! Bring snacks and water but you can also get it at the Briksdal Mountain Lodge after your visit to the Briksdal Glacier if you prefer to travel light.
- Briksdal Mountain Lodge: The tour includes a “coffee & cake” break at the Briksdal Mountain Lodge but you can also buy something more substantial there if needed. If you’re a shopper, this is one of Norway’s largest souvenir shops, so budget time to have a look before you hop back onto the coach to return to Nordfjordeid.
This is a 6-hour excursion, so note that you’ll likely not have much time at Nordfjordeid itself if you do this excursion!
Nordfjordeid’s “Rising Star” Status: How it Compares to Norway’s “Greatest Hits”
Nordfjordeid has always been quite popular with smaller ships, particularly luxury ships, as well as German cruise lines like AIDA and Mein Schiff. But Nordfjordeid’s “rising star” status means that it’s becoming popular with mainstream cruise lines, including P&O Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, starting in 2026.
So, if you’re planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise and decided to read this guide on Nordfjordeid because it’s on one of the itineraries you shortlisted, here’s my take on how Nordfjordeid compares to some of the most famous ports in the Norwegian Fjords:
- Versus Geiranger and Flåm: The UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (accessed from Flåm) are undeniably the headliners of Norwegian fjord cruising, celebrated for their sheer, dramatic beauty. Nordfjordeid’s sail-in along the Eidsfjord is scenic, but its primary appeal is the destination itself. Nordfjordeid provides a quieter, more authentic “working village” atmosphere
- Versus Olden: Olden, located further down the Nordfjord, is the closest port to the Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift I shared above. Olden itself is a much smaller village and is virtually a pure transit point for these major excursions. Nordfjordeid, by contrast, provides a substantial and fascinating town to explore, making it a more complete destination whether one takes an excursion or not.
- Versus Bergen and Stavanger: The cities of Bergen and Stavanger act as urban “gateways to the fjords,” offering history, art, and a vibrant city atmosphere. Nordfjordeid offers the opposite: an intimate, rural experience. It provides a deep dive into specific facets of Norwegian culture—the Viking heritage of the Myklebust ship and the living tradition of the Fjord horse.
Featured Image courtesy of Fjord Norway. Photo Ruben Soltvedt
