After Harald Hardrada’s death in 1066, Norway entered a period of relative stability and consolidation. Harald’s son, Olaf III, known as Olaf "Kyrre" (the Peaceful), became king and ruled from 1067 to 1093. His reign marked a significant shift from his father’s warrior legacy to one focused on peace and internal development. Olaf fostered the growth of towns, particularly Bergen, and supported the expansion of the Christian Church in Norway, continuing the work of Saint Olaf. This period was marked by fewer external wars and more emphasis on governance, trade, and cultural integration with the rest of Europe.
After Olaf Kyrre’s death in 1093, Norway was ruled by a series of co-kings, his son Magnus III (Magnus Barefoot) and later his grandsons. Magnus Barefoot, who ruled until 1103, was more akin to his grandfather Harald Hardrada, embarking on several ambitious military campaigns. His attempts to expand Norwegian influence, especially in the British Isles, led to successes in Scotland and Ireland. However, Magnus was killed during one of these campaigns in Ireland in 1103, marking the end of Norway's significant overseas expansion.
Following Magnus Barefoot's death, his sons Sigurd, Eystein, and Olaf divided the kingdom. Sigurd, known as Sigurd the Crusader, became the most famous of the three, leading Norway’s first and only participation in the Crusades. He embarked on a journey to Jerusalem in 1108, gaining renown for his exploits in the Mediterranean. When he returned in 1111, Norway enjoyed a brief period of prosperity under his reign. Meanwhile, Eystein, who ruled jointly with Sigurd until his death in 1123, focused on domestic reforms, building churches, and strengthening the kingdom internally. Olaf, the third co-king, died young and left little historical mark.
By 1130, when Sigurd the Crusader died, Norway had been relatively peaceful for several decades. However, his death would soon plunge the country into civil wars, as conflicts over succession once again destabilized the kingdom.