Eystein I of Norway

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Statue of Eystein I, now on display at Bergen Museum

Eystein I (ca. 1088 - August 29, 1123) (Norwegian: Øystein) was king of Norway from 1103 to 1123.

Eystein became king together with his brothers Sigurd and Olaf when his father Magnus Barefoot died in 1103. Olaf died in 1115 at a young age, leaving Eystein and Sigurd as co-rulers until Eystein's death in 1123, when Sigurd became the sole ruler of Norway.

While Sigurd was on crusade from 1107 to 1101, Eystein served as regent for the whole country. His relationship to Sigurd was strained, but open conflict was avoided. Whereas Sigurd made Norway known abroad, Eystein worked for economic and cultural progress within Norway.

Eystein constructed several churches, Munkeliv monastery in Bergen, a port in Agdenes and hostels for travellers. He also brought Jämtland under Norwegian rule, according to the saga of Sigurd and his brothers in the Heimskringla.

Eystein and his wife Ingebjørg Guttormsdatter had a daughter, Maria Øysteinsdatter, who was the mother of royal pretender Olav Ugjæva (Olaf the Unlucky). Olaf was named king in 1166, but was subsequently defeated by Magnus V (Magnus Erlingsson) and forced to flee the country.