Harald Fairhair made Avaldsnes his Royal residence after the battle at Hafrsfjord at approximately 870 a.d. Avaldsnes continued to be a royal manor for his descendants up to approx. 1400 a.d

Håkon Håkonsson was one of the kings residing at Avaldsnes, where he built the St. Olav’s church in approx. 1250 a.d. The church was an important stop for the pilgrims on their way to visit St. Olav’s grave in Nidaros.

The Royal Manor project started excavations in the summer of 2017, excavating the main building of the royal manor complex that was at Avaldsnes during the 13th century. It was probably started by Håkon Håkonsson and finished by Håkon V Magnusson. In the outer harbour of Avaldsnes was the important Hanseatic trading station Nottow. The Hanseatic set fire to the royal manor at Avaldsnes in 1368. During the Medieval day we will focus on the exciting history that took place at Avaldsnes between the years 1100-1400 a.d.
In 2017 we arranged for the first time a Medieval Day at Avaldsnes. The public were able to meet jugglers, knights, the Kings tax collectors and musicians. They could also learn how to dance or take part in different games and eat honey glazed apples. Now, we wish to offer even more exciting experiences to our visitors.