One of the first places we visited when in Stavanger was the Sverd i fjell. Also known as the Three Swords Monument, when translated literally it means ‘Swords in Mountain’ and that is exactly what it is!
Sverd i Fjell (image courtesy http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/sverd%20i%20fjell )
Located about 6 kms from Stavanger Central, in a place called Hafrsfjord, this beautiful monument was built in 1983 by King Olav to commemorate the historic battle of Hafrsfjord in 872 after which King Harald Hårfagre (Fairhair) united the three districts of Norway into one single kingdom.
The husband under a tree – Hafrsfjord (image (c)beyondbombay
The largest sword represents King Harald and the two smaller ones stand for the the Kings who were defeated. Because the swords are set in stone, it also stands for peace – signifying that this unity may never be broken or removed.
It’s an easy bus ride into Madlasandnes and a very short walk from the stop leads you into this beautiful stunning site. Set right next to the water, the Sverd i Fjell make a striking picture especially with the typical Norwegian skies that put up a such a show during summer.
Take a picnic (there aren’t many eating options there) and stroll along the beach or sit under a tree and take in the scene. It’s tranquil, absolutely beautiful and mesmerising. But then again, in my opinion, there is not a single place in Norway that doesn’t evoke those feelings in me. I loved it! It’s a photographers dream (just google ‘three swords monument’ or ‘sverd i fjell’ and you’ll know what I mean) Although it’s been a while since we last visited Hafrsfjord, I can still remember the way the sunlight fell on the swords and drew long spooky shadows on the rocks, the sandy beach with the noisy gulls calling out constantly and the wind that whipped through my hair. It was magical. Go on, experience it for yourself!
Beyond Bombay! 