The Viking hall "Gildehallen"

The Viking Guild Hall stands beside Midgard Viking Centre at Borre in Horten. This reconstruction offers a glimpse of the great halls where Viking Age chieftains and powerful families gathered. Inside, a large fireplace, carved wooden pillars and decorations inspired by Norse mythology bring the past to life.

A Viking hall showcasing traditional craftsmanship

Completed in 2013, the Guild Hall was built using archaeological discoveries and research into how Viking Age halls may have looked. Much of the woodwork was crafted by hand using tools and techniques inspired by the period. Look closely at the carved entrance portal, wooden roof shingles and four decorated pillars inside the hall. The carvings draw inspiration from the Oseberg finds and Norse mythology, including Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn.

Where chieftains gathered

During the Viking Age, great halls were more than places for feasting. Powerful families gathered guests for meals, ceremonies and meetings where relationships and alliances were strengthened. The halls were also important symbols of power and status. Archaeologists have discovered traces of several large hall buildings at Borre, probably dating from the Merovingian period, before the Viking Age. Together with the monumental burial mounds, these finds show the area's importance as a centre of power during the Late Iron Age.

Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Borre burial mounds, where you can explore the burial ground and discover more about the people who once lived here.

Guided tours and Viking experiences

The Guild Hall is part of Midgard Viking Centre, which brings Viking Age history to life through exhibitions, guided tours and activities. During the high season, regular guided tours introduce visitors to the hall's architecture, hand-carved decorations and the research behind its reconstruction. Midgard also hosts activity days where children and adults can explore Viking Age crafts, traditions and daily life. Private guided tours and Viking activities for groups can be booked throughout the year.

The Guild Hall as an event venue

The Guild Hall can be hired for weddings, anniversaries, corporate events and other celebrations. Guests can enjoy a Viking-inspired feast with food, storytelling and entertainment by prior arrangement. Find out more about hiring the Guild Hall and hosting an event in a setting inspired by the Viking Age.

Plan your visit

The Guild Hall is located at Birkelyveien 9 in Borre and follows the opening hours of Midgard Viking Centre. During the low season, the centre is normally open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. It is also open on Mondays during the high season and school holidays.

Opening hours may vary on public holidays and during special events. Admission to Midgard Viking Centre also includes the Guild Hall. Scheduled guided tours are included when available, while private group tours must be booked separately.

Designated accessible parking is available near the Guild Hall. Visitors with reduced mobility are advised to drive to the hall rather than use the woodland path. Companion cards are accepted.

Check current opening hours, admission prices and guided tours at Midgard Viking Centre.