Þusund Ár

The Sagas

Twelve centuries of Norse history, condensed into chapters that inspire every reel theme in our hall.

793
Lindisfarne

Long-ships strike the holy island off Northumbria — the dawn of the Viking Age. Monks flee as dragon-prowed vessels emerge from the morning fog.

872
Hafrsfjord

Harald Fairhair binds the petty kingdoms into one Norway after a decisive sea battle. He swears not to cut his hair until all lands are his.

930
Althing

The world's oldest parliament convenes on the plains of Þingvellir in Iceland, settled largely by Norwegians fleeing Harald's unification.

1000
Vinland

Leif Erikson lands in North America, five centuries before Columbus. Sagas describe wild grapes, salmon-rich rivers, and meadows of self-sown wheat.

1030
Stiklestad

Saint Olaf falls in battle to a peasant army, becoming the eternal patron of all Norway. The eclipse that day was remembered for centuries.

1397
Kalmar Union

Norway, Denmark and Sweden joined under a single sovereign crown in the great hall at Kalmar Castle, sealing the destinies of three kingdoms.