Kongsgård (Swedish:kungsgård) is a residence, estate, or farmland that has belonged to or still belongs to theScandinavian monarchs or royal families.
During theViking Age and early Middle Ages, the nations of Scandinavia were organized as frailpolitical unions, a system which often led toconflicts and internal turmoil. To remain in control, the Scandinavian kings would frequently travel throughout their kingdoms to keep oversight. Kongsgård would then function as temporary residencies for the kings and were often fortified and gradually developed into larger main estates. Throughout the late Middle Ages, many royal estates were re-enforced with castles. Over time, the kings were able to unify their countries andconsolidate their power, ruling instead from a single seat or capital.
The firstKing of Norway, KingHarald Fairhair, ordered hisearls and theirhersir to construct estates and farms along the Norwegian coast that would belong to the king and thehird.[1] King Harald would establish the significant Kongsgård estateAlrekstad inBergen which functioned as his seat of power.[2][3] In theMiddle Ages, KingEystein I of Norway would relocatedAlrekstad estate in Bergen, building a new fortified palace whereBergenhus fortress is presently located.[4]
Other Kongsgård estates include:
