The Gokstad mound

The Gokstad Mound (Gokstadhaugen) is located along Helgerødveien, approximately two kilometres from the centre of Sandefjord. This is where the famous Gokstad ship was excavated in 1880, one of Norway's most important Viking ship discoveries. Today, you can visit the large, grass-covered burial mound and discover the story of the powerful Viking chieftain buried here more than a thousand years ago.

The final resting place of a Viking chieftain
Around AD 900, a powerful man was buried aboard the Gokstad ship, surrounded by objects intended to accompany him into the afterlife. The ship measured 23.5 metres in length, and archaeologists discovered three smaller boats, beds, shields, horses, dogs and birds of prey among the burial offerings. These discoveries reveal a man of considerable wealth and status, with connections reaching far beyond Vestfold. His identity remains unknown.

A discovery that made history
In the spring of 1880, archaeologist Nicolay Nicolaysen began excavating the Gokstad Mound. Parts of the ship were uncovered on the very first day, and the discovery attracted widespread attention. For the first time, researchers had a well-preserved Viking ship that revealed how these remarkable vessels were constructed. The Gokstad ship was later transported to Oslo. The burial mound remains in Sandefjord as an important reminder of the area's Viking heritage.

Visit the Gokstad Mound today
Today, the site is a small heritage park with information boards and seating areas. Visitors can explore the mound and learn about the Viking ship, the archaeological excavations and the people who lived here during the Viking Age. To discover how Viking ships were built, continue to Sandefjord Viking Park, where an archaeological reconstruction of the Gokstad ship is underway. The mound is also a stop along the Viking Trail through Vestfold. Other fascinating burial sites along the route include the Istrehågan burial ground and the Oseberg Mound, where the Oseberg ship was discovered in 1904.

Practical information
The Gokstad Mound is located along Helgerødveien, near Morellveien in Sandefjord. Parking is available beside the entrance, and the site can be reached by a pedestrian and cycle path. The park has information boards, benches and a water point. Norway's National Cycle Route 1 and the Tunsbergleden pilgrim trail pass nearby. You can explore the outdoor heritage site independently without booking a guided tour. Please respect the burial mound and its historic surroundings.