Viking-Era Shack Discovered on Norway’s Hardanger Plateau

Enthusiastic archaeologists, from left Margrethe Figenschou Simonsen, Magne Samdal, Marianne Vedeler, Lars Morten Fuglevik, and Inger Karlberg. (Photo Marianne Vedeler)

Archaeologists from the University of Oslo have uncovered a Viking-era mountain shack on Norway’s Hardanger Plateau, providing new insights into the daily lives of medieval travellers and hunters. This simple structure, built from stone and turf, served as a critical refuge for those crossing the rugged Nordmannslepa route, a vital connection between eastern and western Norway for centuries.

Excavations, led by Marianne Vedeler from the Museum of Cultural History, revealed a large hearth at the centre of the shack, used for both cooking and warmth. Layers of ash, animal bones, and food remnants, including reindeer, sheep, and fish, were discovered in the hearth, suggesting that travellers discarded their waste directly into the fire. The team also unearthed Viking-era tools, such as arrowheads and a fire striker, providing clues that hunters used the shack as a base during their expeditions.

The shack is part of a broader research project examining medieval food culture, including how people adapted to the harsh environment of the Norwegian mountains. This discovery adds a tangible layer to our understanding of Viking and medieval travel, showing how travellers survived and navigated through extreme weather conditions. The team plans to continue their exploration in future seasons to uncover more about the shack’s usage and its role in the broader context of Viking-era travel and trade.

These findings enrich the historical narrative of Viking-era Norway, highlighting the interplay between survival, trade, and the environment in one of the country’s most challenging landscapes​