The Stiklestad Saint Olav Drama

The Stiklestad Saint Olav Drama (Olsokdagene på Stiklestad) is Norway's largest and most iconic historical open-air play. It recreates the story of King Olav Haraldsson and the historic transition from Viking customs to Christianity on the exact site where the King was slain in 1030 AD. The production is a massive undertaking, using a mix of professional actors and hundreds of volunteers, with live horses and the natural landscape bringing the legend to life under the midsummer sky.

The play is best known for its intense battle scenes, live orchestral music, and the unique experience of watching history unfold on the actual battlefield. However, the play is just a part of the broader Olsok Days festival, which begins a few days before the drama and continues throughout the performance period. This event adds a variety of activities to the site, including concerts, art exhibitions, and historical talks. These are centered around the 12th-century Stiklestad Church and the adjacent National Cultural Centre, where visitors can also walk through a large medieval market and see Viking craft demonstrations.