Ancient Viking Shelter Uncovered on Norway’s Hardanger Plateau

Archaeologists in Norway have identified and started excavating an old stone and turf shack on the Hardanger Plateau, Science Norway reported. Leveraging an 1821 travel journal by Christoffer Hansteen and facing considerable challenges in locating the exact site, the research team uncovered remnants from a time when this shack provided essential shelter for Viking Age travelers navigating the Store Nordmannslepa trade route.

The researchers discovered two arrowheads and an ancient Viking metal fire striker near the entrance, indicating the presence of a hunter from that era. Additionally, a sizable hearth, about one meter by 1.3 meters, dominated the main room. The hearth, packed with kilograms of food waste including bones of reindeer, sheep, birds, and fish, stands testament to the shack's use as a rest stop for cooking and eating by weary travelers.

Marianne Vedeler from the Museum of Cultural History noted the extraordinary state of disarray within the shelter. Instead of disposing of their trash outside, the occupants habitually threw their waste into the fire, creating a dense 40-centimeter layer of soot and food remains. This chaotic cleanliness reflects a possible transient use, as advised by Vikings, who perhaps prioritized function over cleanliness in these temporary stops.

For enhanced understanding, the team has collected samples from various layers of the hearth to date how long the shack was in continual use. Funding-permitting, additional excavation efforts are planned to reveal more about the configuration and usage of the shelter, potentially unearthing more of its stone walls and the lifestyle nuances of Viking Age travelers who braved the harsh terrain of the Hardanger Plateau.

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