Guided tour to the rock carvings in Vingen

Vingen is one of the largest carving sites in the Nordic region and is a unique area in the Norwegian, Scandinavian and international context. The Vingen protected landscaping area was created in 1980, it is 5,000 acres and includes in addition to the entire Vingen, parts of the neighbour farm Vingen River. In November 2001, Vingen was granted peace under the Cultural Heritage Act. This means that traffic in the area, including boat trips, laying at the dock, is not allowed.

Vingen is situated on the small arm of the fjord known as Vingenpollen. On the innermost banks of the Frøysjøen fjord in Bremanger municipality. Vingenpollen is around 1 km long and around hundred meters wide. On the southern banks of the fjord is a small area of flattish land between the fjord and the foot of the mountain. Here you will find a tiny farm along with the majority of the rock carvings. From Vingen you have a beautiful views of Hornelen cliff and the busy shipping traffic in the main shipping channel.

For thousands of years, humans have attached images to rock surfaces. Thousands of years later, we wonder what these pictures tell us. Archaeologists are constantly working to see contexts and interpret small parts of the rock carvings. Dating and other archaeological material found in the vicinity of the carvings also provide information. The carvings in Vingen are cut everywhere where rocks rise in the day. Most carvings are of deers in various forms, but moose and reindeer are also depicted. There are also depicted several human figures, some equipped with female and male gender markings, but most of them are difficult to see. There are also various abstract and geometric designs such as zigzag lines, oval figures and mesh patterns. Another main motif is hook-shaped figures in different shapes and sizes.

Many deer carvings at Vingen link them to the period 9000-2000 BC. You can also look at the archaeological investigations. These are visible on the ground such as round or oval sacks with low rocks or loose masses. Some of the archaeological excavations have uncovered artefacts and charcoal dated to ancient Stone Age, specifically 5000-4000 BC.
In Skatestraumen, an hour's paddle tour to the northwest, there has been found and excavated a number of settlements from this period where people lived all year around. There are few discoverises at Vingen that can say anything about if there was people living there. Maybe it was the people who lived in Skatestraumen who scratched the pictures on rocks and rock surfaces at Vingen?

The oldest interpreters of the carvings are that they represent luck for hunting where a dreaded image will give you good luck when hunting. As late as the latter half of the 19th century, it was common to go hunting at Vingen. But it is probably not just one interpretation of the carvings that is right. You can also imagine that the imagery of the many deer animals may not only be a prayer for good hunting, but also a link in a ritual to maintain the balance in society.

Some features of the carvings at Vingen can be interpreted as traces of shamanic activity. A shaman can move between different cosmetic levels and has contact with the animal world. Vingen has undoubtedly been a holy place that was important to the coastal community during a period of the Stone Age. Perhaps, many different forms of religious and ritual practice have passed between the rock carvings.

As you can see in the Vingen field, some part of the carvings is painted. This has been done in recent times to make it easier to see. What is special about the carvings is that they can only be seen in a special light. This is some of the mystery of the carvings and maybe it was the point that they should only be visible from time to time?

The area is totally protected and only organized traffic is allowed. The experience of walking around and seeing where they sat and making all the figures, why they made them, and trying to understand the purpose of the carvings is unique. In collaboration with well-experienced guides, this is a trip you will hardly forget. Queen Sonja is one of those who made their love on the Wing, and visited the field both in 2014 and 2017.

Guided Tour to Vingen

Every Friday from mid-June to mid-August. In case of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to take place.

Schedule
Regular tours every Friday from 26 June to 21 August 2026.

Boat schedule
Departure:
Florø – Route 290: Departure 16:05
Smørhamn – Route 290: Departure 16:39*
Vingen – Route 290: Arrival approx. 17:05

Return:
Vingen – Route 290: Return 18:50
Smørhamn – Route 290: Arrival 19:20
Florø – Route 290: Arrival 20:00

* Visitors must ensure they board the northbound boat from Smørhamn.

Prices
Adults (18 years and older): NOK 600
Children (7–18 years) (children under 7 are free): NOK 300
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 or more children): NOK 1400

Visitors pay the full amount directly to the guide in Vingen.
Vipps: #527425 or cash payment.

* Same price from Florø and Smørhamn.

BOOKING

Book before Friday at 12:00 through Bremanger Municipality.

Phone: +47 57 79 63 00
Email: [email protected]

Visitors must register with:

Phone number
Nationality
Preferred guiding language
Date
Number of adults and children
Practical Information

The area is protected, and access is only permitted through organised guided tours. The area is not adapted for visitors with reduced mobility or visual impairments. The terrain in Vingen is uneven, and walking is required to get around. Walking poles must not have metal tips. Dogs are not permitted in Vingen.

There is no food service on the boat or in Vingen, so visitors are recommended to bring food and drinks for the boat trip.

Welcome to Vingen – Nature’s Colossal Museum.