Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE ROUTE NORTH
If you're heading north, from Steinkjer you have a choice of routes: the more frequented,
inland Arctic Highway (E6) or the slower E17 Kystriksveien (Coastal Route). The railway
linenorthtoBodøviaHellandSteinkjermoreorlessfollowstheArcticHighwaytoFauske.
Hell
Hell has little to offer but its name, meaning 'prosperity' in Norwegian. All the same, some
travellers stop here for a cheap chuckle or at least to snap a photo of the sign at the train
station.Foreverafter,wheneversomeonesuggestsyougohere,youcanhonestlysayyou've
been to Hell and back and it wasn't all that bad.
Stiklestad
The site of Stiklestad lies 5km east of the E6 on Rv757. It commemorates what in terms of
numbers was a small skirmish but which, in its impact, is at the heart of Norwegians' sense
of national identity. They flock here by the thousands, some as pilgrims visiting the church
associated with St Olav but most simply to picnic and enjoy the fresh air, open space and
associated exhibitions.
Here in Stiklestad on 29 July 1030 the larger and better-equipped forces of local feudal,
pagan chieftains defeated a force of barely 100 men led by the Christian King Olav
Haraldsson, who had been forced from the Norwegian throne by King Knut (Canute) of
Denmark and England.
The Battle of Stiklestad marks Norway's passage between the Viking and medieval eras.
Although Olav was killed, the battle is generally lauded as a victory for Christianity in Nor-
wayandtheslainherorecalled asamartyrandsaint.StOlavdeveloped afollowingallover
northern Europe and his grave in Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral became a destination of
pilgrims from across the continent.
The site, aroundmost ofwhich youcan wander forfree, islaid outrather like asprawling
themepark,withexhibitsontheBattleofStiklestad,anoutdoorfolkmuseumand,predating
all, the 12th-century Stiklestad church.
