Explore the Viking History of Svanøy Island, Svanøya

Discover the island of Svanøy with the help of a local. This peculiar island is said to be the birthplace of Eric Bloodaxe, the famous 10th-century Norwegian ruler. Learn about the island's history while visiting Viking graves, exploring traditional boatbuilding, and listening to stories about the Christening of Norway, diving deep into unique history spanning over 1000 years.

Harald Hårfagre, Eirik Bloodaxe's father, was born in Sogn, most likely in Leikanger. You can easily combine a visit to Svanøy with an exploration of nearby Sognefjorden, a popular destination during the Viking era. This fjord was rich in agricultural, fishing, and trade resources and gave the Vikings quick access to the sea and mountain passes. Sognefjorden is also where the wise men educated Eirik before inheriting the throne! 

Harald made it his mission to do what he could for his son and decided that Eirik would be king early on, even though he was not first in line to inherit the throne. So finally, in the year 930, the people of Hordaland county accepted Eirik Bloodaxe as a king, but it wasn't an easy task, as you'll learn!

Eirik's death in 954 brought the independence of Viking Northumbria to an end, but his sons later succeeded in establishing themselves as kings in Norway. For most, the name Eirik Bloodaxe conjures an image of the archetypal Viking warrior: huge, heroic, and the proud owner of a large ax.

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