Iron Age Farm | Stavanger

Information

Landmark: Iron Age Farm
City: Stavanger
Country: Norway
Continent: Europe

Iron Age Farm, Stavanger, Norway, Europe

The Iron Age Farm is a reconstructed farmstead from the Migration Period (350-550 AD) located on the Ullandhaug hill in Stavanger, Norway. It presents an authentic representation of daily life and architecture from the Norwegian Iron Age.

Visual Characteristics

The farm consists of several reconstructed longhouses, characterized by low, dry-stone walls and thick turf roofs. These structures are built using local stone and timber, with earth-colored exteriors that blend into the surrounding landscape. The buildings are single-story, with internal layouts replicating living quarters, stables, and storage areas of the period.

Location & Access Logistics

The Iron Age Farm is situated on Ullandhaug, approximately 3.5 kilometers south of Stavanger city center. Access by car is via Ullandhaugveien, with a dedicated parking area available at the site entrance. Public transport includes bus line 6, which stops near the University of Stavanger, requiring a short walk uphill to the farm.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The farm is a reconstruction based on archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, revealing an original Iron Age settlement from the Migration Period (350-550 AD). Construction of the reconstructed farm began in 1972, with the primary purpose of historical education and preservation, managed by the Museum of Archaeology at the University of Stavanger.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in guided tours that explain Iron Age daily life and farming practices. Demonstrations of ancient crafts, such as spinning, weaving, and food preparation, are regularly conducted. Exploring the interior of the longhouses provides insight into the living conditions and social structures of the period.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are available at the visitor center adjacent to the farm. Limited natural shade is present outside the longhouses. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable across the site. A small gift shop offers refreshments and souvenirs, but no extensive food vendors are on-site.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal period for visiting is during the summer months, from May to September, when the farm is fully operational and weather conditions are mild. Mid-morning to early afternoon offers the best natural light for photography. The farm operates seasonally, with reduced hours or closures outside peak season.

Facts & Legends

The Iron Age Farm is built directly upon the foundations of the original Iron Age settlement, making it an authentic archaeological site. A local tip suggests observing the subtle variations in the reconstructed longhouses, as each represents a slightly different period or family structure within the Iron Age community.