Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stiklestad
It's difficult to overstate the importance of Stiklestad in Norwegian history. It was here, on
29 July 1030 that the larger and better-equipped forces of local feudal, pagan chieftains de-
feated 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
Norway and the slain hero is recalled as a martyr and saint. St Olav developed a following
all over northern Europe and his grave in Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral became a destin-
ation for pilgrims from across the continent.
The site, around most of which you can wander for free, is laid out rather like a sprawl-
ing theme park, with exhibits on the Battle of Stiklestad, an outdoor folk museum and,
predating all, the 12th-century Stiklestad church.
Sights
The
Stiklestad National Cultural Centre
(Stiklestad Nasjonale Kultursenter;
www.stiklestad.no
; adult/child Nkr160/80; 9am-6pm Sep-Jun, 9am-8pm Jul & Aug)
is a grandi-
ose wooden structure. Entry entitles you to visit
Stiklestad 1030
, an evocative exhibition
about the battle, with dioramas and plenty of shrieks and gurgles on the soundtrack; a
15-minute film on St Olav; a guided tour that includes a visit to the church; and a small
WWII resistance museum.
In the grounds there's a collection of over 30 historical buildings (admission free), ran-
ging from humble crofts and artisans workshops to the
Molåna
, a much grander farm-
house and, within it, a small, summertime cafe. In summer, actors in period costume bring
several of the buildings to life.
Across the road is lovely Stiklestad
church
( 11am-6pm Mon-Sat, 12.30-6pm Sun mid-
Jun-mid-Aug)
, built between 1150 and 1180 above the stone on which the dying St Olav re-
putedly leaned. The original stone was believed to have healing powers but it was removed
during the Reformation and hasn't been seen since.
