{"id":10211,"date":"2023-05-04T09:30:59","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T09:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/?post_type=artikler&#038;p=10211"},"modified":"2025-09-01T11:17:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T11:17:16","slug":"follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy","status":"publish","type":"artikler","link":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/","title":{"rendered":"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-ingress\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vnn__ingress\">\n\t\t\t\tFew people from the Norwegian Viking age fascinate us as much as Tore Hund, the mighty chieftain of Bjark\u00f8y and the slayer of the patron saint of Norway, King Olav Haraldson. His home island of Bjark\u00f8y is steeped in history and invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When I was 10, my grandfather gave me \u201cHeimskringla\u201d \u2013 the saga of the Norwegian kings written by the Icelandic Snorri Sturluson. The message was clear \u2013 know your history, boy. No story could capture the imagination of a 10-year-old boy like the conflict between Tore Hund and King Olav. I disembarked from the catamaran on Bjark\u00f8y with a sense of reverence and anticipation, where Bj\u00f8rn Johannessen, the leader of the local history club, was waiting to take me on a tour focused on Tore Hund.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-3\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-3-1.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1601\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-3-1-2048x1366.jpg\" alt=\"Drone photo from Bjark\u00f8y. You can clearly see the outline of the boathouse. Boathouse number four from the left - the big one - is just below, and you can see the outline in the terrain much easier than up close \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-3-1.jpg\" data-caption=\"Drone photo from Bjark\u00f8y. You can clearly see the outline of the boathouse. Boathouse number four from the left - the big one - is just below, and you can see the outline in the terrain much easier than up close \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj19.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj19-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"Iron rods mark the outline of the 30 metre long boathouse for Tore Hund&#039;s ship. It must have been impressive \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj19.jpg\" data-caption=\"Iron rods mark the outline of the 30 metre long boathouse for Tore Hund&#039;s ship. It must have been impressive \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj14.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj14-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"Small boathouses found along the shore near the remnants of Tore Hund&#039;s ship. Due to the land rising in Scandinavia they are a fair bit further down \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj14.jpg\" data-caption=\"Small boathouses found along the shore near the remnants of Tore Hund&#039;s ship. Due to the land rising in Scandinavia they are a fair bit further down \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: Drone photo from Bjark\u00f8y. You can clearly see the outline of the boathouse. Boathouse number four from the left &#8211; the big one &#8211; is just below, and you can see the outline in the terrain much easier than up close \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: Iron rods mark the outline of the 30 metre long boathouse for Tore Hund&#039;s ship. It must have been impressive \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: Small boathouses found along the shore near the remnants of Tore Hund&#039;s ship. Due to the land rising in Scandinavia they are a fair bit further down \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-saw-the-viking-age-rolls-royce-garage\">We saw the Viking age Rolls Royce garage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We didn&#8217;t have to walk far up the hill from the quay before we arrived at the boathouse. The fresh snow made the grass stick up, and we could feel the elevation of the uneven ground. These are the remains of Tore Hund&#8217;s ship boathouse. Iron rods were placed along the walls, allowing us to see the outline of the boathouse, and therefore the ship. The Gokstad ship, the largest preserved Viking ship, was rowed by 32 men and is 23 meters long. The ship at Bjark\u00f8y may have been up to 30 meters long and was rowed by 40 men. It must haven been an impressive and intimidating sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was it really Tore Hund&#8217;s ship?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although we cannot prove beyond any doubt that Tore Hund stored his ship in this giant boathouse, a ship this size would have belonged to the mightiest clan in the area, the Bjark\u00f8y\u00e6tta (Bjark\u00f8y Clan). Additionally, we know that big ships were built in Northern Norway, such as the Ormen (The Snake), a giant ship seized from the chieftain Rau\u00f0r inn rammi near Bod\u00f8. A boat sewn together with leather strips from the Viking era in \u00d8ksnes, Vester\u00e5len Islands, points to a combination of Sami and Norwegian boat building techniques. Personally, I have no doubt that this is Tore Hund&#8217;s boathouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-4-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View over the island of Bjark\u00f8y from the north towards the south. The central part is a low isthmus which is easy to navigate on foot, with lots of history \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The landscape is reminiscent of the Viking age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We gazed up the hill from the boathouse to see a row of houses perched above the fields. Some of them were modern, while others were old and beautiful, creating a picturesque view. In the Viking Age, there were likely fewer but larger houses in this area, with space for livestock at one end and people at the other. It is easy to imagine that Tore Hund&#8217;s farm was located directly above the boathouse, overlooking the bay, but there are no visible traces of this. Below the ship, there is a row of red-painted boathouses, some old, some new. Due to the natural elevation of the land in Scandinavia, these boathouses are a fair bit lower than Tore Hund&#8217;s boathouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-2\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1601\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1-2048x1366.jpg\" alt=\"Selshavneren - the Sel avenger - is found near the entrance to the tunnel from Bjark\u00f8y to Gryt\u00f8y islands. It is a bit too far to walk for most of us, but is easily reached by bike \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\" data-caption=\"Selshavneren - the Sel avenger - is found near the entrance to the tunnel from Bjark\u00f8y to Gryt\u00f8y islands. It is a bit too far to walk for most of us, but is easily reached by bike \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-2-1.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1013\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-2-1-768x324.jpg\" alt=\"Wintery view over Bjark\u00f8y. The church is found to the right, and the harbour in the centre \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-2-1.jpg\" data-caption=\"Wintery view over Bjark\u00f8y. The church is found to the right, and the harbour in the centre \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: Selshavneren &#8211; the Sel avenger &#8211; is found near the entrance to the tunnel from Bjark\u00f8y to Gryt\u00f8y islands. It is a bit too far to walk for most of us, but is easily reached by bike \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: Wintery view over Bjark\u00f8y. The church is found to the right, and the harbour in the centre \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-style-faq\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\n\t\t\t\tThe drama around Tore Hund &#8211; a summary\n\t\t\t<\/h3><div class=\"t2-accordion wp-block-t2-accordion\" data-allow-multiple=\"1\" role=\"list\"><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"who-was-tore-hund?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tWho was Tore Hund?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel\" aria-labelledby=\"who-was-tore-hund?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThe chieftaincy at Bjark\u00f8y possibly goes back to the 2-300s. Tore Hund was maybe born around 980-90, and was thus part of this dynasty. Probably he could speak at least some Sami, and possibly also had in laws among leading Sami families. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"conflict-of-interest-with-the-king\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tConflict of interest with the king\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-1\" aria-labelledby=\"conflict-of-interest-with-the-king\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tKing Olav II, later Saint Olav, sought from his ascension to the throne in 1015 both to centralise power and convert all Norway to Christianity. This was carried out with a fair bit of Viking style use of power. Tore Hund and the other chieftains rightly feared their influence could be reduced. Tore Hund allied himself with chieftains along the waterway from Northern Norway down to the western coast, forming a mighty opposition to the king.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"the-conflict-got-bloody\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tThe conflict got bloody\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-2\" aria-labelledby=\"the-conflict-got-bloody\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t In the early 1020\u2019ies the grain harvest failed in the north. The king introduced an export ban from the south to the north, so when Tore\u2019s nephew, Asbj\u00f8rn, sailed south to buy grain, nobody dared sell him any. He then killed one of the king\u2019s men, Tore Sel, gaining him the name Asbj\u00f8rn Selsbane (killer of Sel), and could then buy grain from his allies. But in 1024, Asbj\u00f8rn was killed by another of the king\u2019s men on a mission in Lofoten. Asbj\u00f8rn\u2019s mother and Tore\u2019s sister in law, Sigrid, gave the spear that killed Asbj\u00f8rn to Tore Hund, and urged him to avenge Asbj\u00f8rn. The conflict of interest had turned personal!\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"the-final-battle-gave-tore-hund-revenge\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tThe final battle gave Tore Hund revenge\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-3\" aria-labelledby=\"the-final-battle-gave-tore-hund-revenge\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tIn 1028, Tore along with his powerful southern allies, had Olav dethroned. Instead, Canute of Denmark and England became the king of Norway. Olav fled to Gardariki (Russia). In 1030 he returned to claim his kingdom. The powerful chieftains of Norway mobilised, and at Stiklestad northeast of Trondheim, they engaged Olav\u2019s army in battle. Tore was on the ready with Selshevneren (The Sel avenger), the sword that killed Asbj\u00f8rn. He killed Olav on the battlefield and restored his and his family\u2019s honour. The opposition had finally vanquished the king.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"what-happened-to-tore?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tWhat happened to Tore?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-4\" aria-labelledby=\"what-happened-to-tore?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tAccording to the saga, Tore looked after the king\u2019s dead body. The wound on Tore\u2019s hand healed by the blood of the king, and the king\u2019s face looked peaceful as if he was sleeping. Miracles started to happen, and Olav became a saint. Tore left on a pilgrimage to Jorsal (Jerusalem in old Norse) and never returned, according to Heimskringla. Other sources give other explanations.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"where-do-we-get-the-information-from?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-5\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tWhere do we get the information from?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-5\" aria-labelledby=\"where-do-we-get-the-information-from?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThe big drama is written by the masterful saga writer Snorri Sturluson (modern Norwegian spelling Snorre Sturlason). In his work Heimskringla, he describes Saint Olav, Tore Hund and the big events in detail. It is, however, written around 1220, some 190 years after the drama. Although Snorri quotes the contemporary bards, we must assume there was a fair bit of dramatising going on. The drama is also mentioned in numerous other manuscripts from the late 12th and 13th  century. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"which-sources-do-you-use-for-this-article?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-6\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tWhich sources do you use for this article?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-6\" aria-labelledby=\"which-sources-do-you-use-for-this-article?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThe main source, apart from Bj\u00f8rn&#8217;s information, is the booklet &#8220;Fotefar mot nord&#8221; from Bjark\u00f8y. The &#8220;Fotefar mot nord&#8221; project presented one historic attraction from each municipality in Northern Norway. Bjark\u00f8y, a separate municipality at the time, chose the historic landscape on the island as its contribution. This can be read digitally the National Library&#8217;s website, with a summary in English\/German. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-tore-hund-memorial-tells-the-story\">The Tore Hund memorial tells the story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We walked a few leisurely meters uphill to the Tore Hund memorial, which was erected in 1980. The reliefs, made by Svein Haavarsholm, depict the story of Tore, Asbj\u00f8rn, and Sigrid. From here, the view is stunning, with the bay below and the church up on the hillside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-church-dates-from-1765\">The church dates from 1765<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The church of Bjark\u00f8y has an interesting history. After the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, the people of Bjark\u00f8y converted to Christianity. A church is mentioned as far back as 1264, but it may have existed even earlier. In the 18th century, the church was torn down, and the present church was built on the neighboring island of Sands\u00f8y in 1765. In 1885, it was moved to Bjark\u00f8y because the island had gained many supporters of baptism. To ensure the presence of the established Lutheran church, they decided to move the church. The wooden church was disassembled, and the logs were numbered and marked before being floated to Bjark\u00f8y. It is an impressive church with a central tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-map-route\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map\" id=\"map-route-69dc23d8a30d3\" data-point=\"[{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9989147,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5380314,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Bjark\\u00f8y catamaran dock&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;This is where most people arrive. &quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9977566,&quot;lng&quot;:16.537968884556086,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Tore Hund&#039;s boathouse&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Markers in the field show the outline of the 30 metre boathouse&quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9961387,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5386462,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Tore Hund monument&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;A standing stone with relieffs dating from 1980. Great views!&quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9953736,&quot;lng&quot;:16.543506443032875,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Bjark\\u00f8y church&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Stately wooden church, surrounded by old graves&quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9938031,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5289251,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The arrow&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;u0022Pilau0022 - the arrow - is a standing stone from the iron age&quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9935373,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5260301,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Ole Ottesastua &quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;House from 1870, built on thick cultural layers. There is a grave field, Frih\\u00e5gen, in the hillside behind. &quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9914816,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5246889,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;\\u00d8verg\\u00e5rsvika grave field&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Walk down to the sea, and see the visible graves along the seafront, along with fairly big boathouse remnants. &quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.9966493,&quot;lng&quot;:16.5346493,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Tore Hund-veien&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Just a picturesque part of Bjark\\u00f8y you should include in your wanderings&quot;},{&quot;lat&quot;:68.997174,&quot;lng&quot;:16.538162,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The shop&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;The shop has a cafe added. &quot;}]\" data-walk=\"true\" data-toggle-route=\"false\" data-zoom-northern=\"false\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"map-route-title\">Follow the tracks of Tore Hund on Bjark\u00f8y<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-description\"><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t1\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Bjark\u00f8y catamaran dock<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is where most people arrive. \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t2\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Tore Hund&#039;s boathouse<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMarkers in the field show the outline of the 30 metre boathouse\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t3\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Tore Hund monument<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA standing stone with relieffs dating from 1980. Great views!\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t4\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Bjark\u00f8y church<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStately wooden church, surrounded by old graves\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t5\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">The arrow<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8220;Pila&#8221; &#8211; the arrow &#8211; is a standing stone from the iron age\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t6\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Ole Ottesastua <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHouse from 1870, built on thick cultural layers. There is a grave field, Frih\u00e5gen, in the hillside behind. \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t7\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">\u00d8verg\u00e5rsvika grave field<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWalk down to the sea, and see the visible graves along the seafront, along with fairly big boathouse remnants. \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t8\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">Tore Hund-veien<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJust a picturesque part of Bjark\u00f8y you should include in your wanderings\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t9\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"map-route-dropdown-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"map-route-dropdown__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"map-route-dropdown__title-text\">The shop<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"map-route-dropdown__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe shop has a cafe added. \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-cemetery-is-full-of-old-graves\">The cemetery is full of old graves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><br>The cemetery surrounding the church is adorned with old and imposing gravestones. However, many of these gravestones are no longer taken care of, and during winter, some of them even topple over due to the frost. One may wonder why nobody bothers to straighten them up again, but Bj\u00f8rn clarified that this is a deliberate decision. The old graves are left to the elements, allowing them to be weathered by wind, rain, and snow, and overgrown with moss and lichen. This adds to the cemetery&#8217;s ambiance of slow decay, which is beautiful in its own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trolls-tend-to-quarrel\">Trolls tend to quarrel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPila\u201d \u2013 the arrow \u2013 is a prehistoric standing stone found along the fence between two farms, a short walk uphill from the church. Local lore has it that the Kv\u00e6fjord Troll, eager to ruin the church of Bjark\u00f8y, sent an arrow from his fjord to the island. But as trolls have poor eyesight, it landed there. Ironically, in Kv\u00e6fjord they have a similar arrow \u2013 another standing stone &#8211; this time sent from the troll called <em>Tore Hund<\/em> in Bjark\u00f8y. Fortunately, the church of Kv\u00e6fjord was saved by hitting the top of a mountain midway and losing speed. Angry trolls seemed to be a peril for early churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-3\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-5-1.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1601\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-5-1-2048x1366.jpg\" alt=\"Beauty from Bjark\u00f8y \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bjarkoy-arvola-5-1.jpg\" data-caption=\"Beauty from Bjark\u00f8y \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj4.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj4-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"The church was originally found at Sands\u00f8y Island, but was moved to Bjark\u00f8y in the 19th C. \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj4.jpg\" data-caption=\"The church was originally found at Sands\u00f8y Island, but was moved to Bjark\u00f8y in the 19th C. \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj20.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj20-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"The cemetary at Bjark\u00f8y Island is full of old graves that nobody looks after anymore. Frost in the ground makes the gravestones move and eventually tip over. Then one has conciously left them there. That gives the cemetary a melancholy beauty \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj20.jpg\" data-caption=\"The cemetary at Bjark\u00f8y Island is full of old graves that nobody looks after anymore. Frost in the ground makes the gravestones move and eventually tip over. Then one has conciously left them there. That gives the cemetary a melancholy beauty \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: Beauty from Bjark\u00f8y \u00a9 \u00d8ivind Arvola \/ Harstad kommune<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: The church was originally found at Sands\u00f8y Island, but was moved to Bjark\u00f8y in the 19th C. \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: The cemetary at Bjark\u00f8y Island is full of old graves that nobody looks after anymore. Frost in the ground makes the gravestones move and eventually tip over. Then one has conciously left them there. That gives the cemetary a melancholy beauty \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pila-possibly-marks-a-grave\">Pila possibly marks a grave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The function and age of \u201cPila\u201d \u2013 the arrow \u2013 is uncertain. It seems to relate to old graves, either placed on top or marking the outline of the grave. They mostly date from the iron age. There were several of these standing stones around, but at some point in the last few centuries, they were removed, either because they were in the way or because one could use the rock. However, the Pila was probably saved because it is found on the border between two fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-verg-rd-is-another-possible-tore-hund-location\">\u00d8verg\u00e5rd is another possible Tore Hund location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00d8verg\u00e5rd (\u201cUpper farm\u201d) is one of the oldest continuously settled areas on the island. Dwellings have been built here, have decayed and vanished and new houses built on top for at least 2000 years. In a circle of about 100-150 metres in circumference, the cultural layers are 1,5 metres deep. Since there are several buildings around, no archaeological digs have taken place. Maybe Tore Hund lived up here, with a full view of the bay in the north, and down to the \u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika bay in the south. Across the water, one can see the step, majestic peaks of the Gryt\u00f8ya island; a stately place to live for a chieftain.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-4\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj13.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1364\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj13-2048x1164.jpg\" alt=\"Spring snow makes the house colours pop. Pila - the arrow - an iron age standing stone is found in front of the white house with the nice glass veranda \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj13.jpg\" data-caption=\"Spring snow makes the house colours pop. Pila - the arrow - an iron age standing stone is found in front of the white house with the nice glass veranda \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj9.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj9-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"Nice old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj9.jpg\" data-caption=\"Nice old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj-5.jpg\" data-size=\"1350x2400\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj-5-768x1365.jpg\" alt=\"Bj\u00f8rn Johannessen was my guide at Bjark\u00f8y Island. Here at &quot;Pila&quot; - the arrow - a standing stone from the iron age \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj-5.jpg\" data-caption=\"Bj\u00f8rn Johannessen was my guide at Bjark\u00f8y Island. Here at &quot;Pila&quot; - the arrow - a standing stone from the iron age \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj10.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1335\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">04<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj10-768x427.jpg\" alt=\"The Tore Hund drive at Bjark\u00f8y Island is private, but it&#039;s ok to walk or cycle here \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj10.jpg\" data-caption=\"The Tore Hund drive at Bjark\u00f8y Island is private, but it&#039;s ok to walk or cycle here \u00a9 Knut Hansvold\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: Spring snow makes the house colours pop. Pila &#8211; the arrow &#8211; an iron age standing stone is found in front of the white house with the nice glass veranda \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: Nice old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: Bj\u00f8rn Johannessen was my guide at Bjark\u00f8y Island. Here at &quot;Pila&quot; &#8211; the arrow &#8211; a standing stone from the iron age \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><figcaption>04: The Tore Hund drive at Bjark\u00f8y Island is private, but it&#039;s ok to walk or cycle here \u00a9 Knut Hansvold<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ole-ottesen-stua-is-the-little-local-museum\">Ole Ottesen-stua is the little local museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The houses are of various ages in \u00d8verg\u00e5rd. One of the oldest is the <em>Ole Ottesen-stua<\/em>, or in local dialect <em>Ole Ottesastua<\/em>, named after the first resident. It was built around 1870, and it is said that the timber came from a Russian freighter which shipwrecked near Bjark\u00f8y. Ole Ottesen and his wife Nikoline lived here with seven children and his parents. The house is beautifully preserved, and although it is usually closed, one can contact the local history association for a little tour, my guide Bj\u00f8rn shows people around all the time. The chances are best if you contact them ahead. If you have been thoughtful enough to bring coffee in flask, the south-orientated benches outside the barn are a perfect place to enjoy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frih-gen-is-a-grave-field-with-a-view\">Frih\u00e5gen is a grave field with a view<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A steep hillside behind \u00d8verg\u00e5rd is where people were buried in pre-Christian times. In olden times, one imagined the dead being part of society, so it was important to give them a place with a view in every direction. Here, 12 graves have been located, some of them excavated. Little has been found, though. This is probably due to tomb raiding, graves were often looted shortly after the burial. One can walk around in the uneven terrain with good shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-3\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003001_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_.jpg\" data-size=\"1440x1080\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003001_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_.jpg\" alt=\"The Ole Ottesastue, named after Ole Ottesen, who built it in 1870 \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003001_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_.jpg\" data-caption=\"The Ole Ottesastue, named after Ole Ottesen, who built it in 1870 \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj6.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1350\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj6-768x432.jpg\" alt=\"Detail from the Ole Ottesastua, and old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bj6.jpg\" data-caption=\"Detail from the Ole Ottesastua, and old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003003_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_.jpg\" data-size=\"1352x1080\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003003_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_-768x613.jpg\" alt=\"Barn at \u00d8verg\u00e5rd, Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/003003_Soer-Troms-Museum_www.nordnorge.com_.jpg\" data-caption=\"Barn at \u00d8verg\u00e5rd, Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: The Ole Ottesastue, named after Ole Ottesen, who built it in 1870 \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: Detail from the Ole Ottesastua, and old house at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: Barn at \u00d8verg\u00e5rd, Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 S\u00f8r-Troms Museum<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n<div class=\"t2-featured-content-layout alignwide alignwide wp-block-t2-featured-content-layout\" role=\"list\"><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler todo-archeology-and-early-history todo-architecture todo-attractions todo-culture-and-history todo-sapmi-culture todo-vikings facilities-family-friendly facilities-groups facilities-sami season-summer malgrupper-bucket-list-betty malgrupper-culture-lover malgrupper-culture-specialist malgrupper-heritage-explorer wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/trondenes-historical-center-brings-the-middle-ages-to-life\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 40% 37%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/95A6104-768x512.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2>Trondenes Historical Center brings the Middle Ages to life<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-activities\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-activites\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M625.941 293.823L421.823 497.941c-18.746 18.746-49.138 18.745-67.882 0l-.36-.36L592 259.882 331.397 0h48.721a48 48 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zm-128 0L293.823 497.941C284.451 507.314 272.166 512 259.882 512c-12.284 0-24.569-4.686-33.941-14.059L14.059 286.059A48 48 0 0 1 0 252.118V48C0 21.49 21.49 0 48 0h204.118a47.998 47.998 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zM464 259.882L252.118 48H48v204.118l211.886 211.878L464 259.882zM144 96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\tCulture and history\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/trondenes-church-is-the-worlds-northernmost-medieval-church\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 50% 50%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/003083_Baard-Loeken_www.nordnorge.com_-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2>Trondenes Church is the world&#8217;s northernmost medieval church<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler todo-attractions todo-culture-and-history todo-worldwar2 season-autumn season-spring season-summer season-winter region-harstad malgrupper-heritage-explorer wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/a-soviet-prisoner-of-war-tells-his-story\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 56% 41%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1188\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Konstantin-Severdintsev-768x1188.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-region\">\n\t\t\t\tHarstad\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h2>A Soviet prisoner of war tells his story<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-activities\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-activites\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M625.941 293.823L421.823 497.941c-18.746 18.746-49.138 18.745-67.882 0l-.36-.36L592 259.882 331.397 0h48.721a48 48 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zm-128 0L293.823 497.941C284.451 507.314 272.166 512 259.882 512c-12.284 0-24.569-4.686-33.941-14.059L14.059 286.059A48 48 0 0 1 0 252.118V48C0 21.49 21.49 0 48 0h204.118a47.998 47.998 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zM464 259.882L252.118 48H48v204.118l211.886 211.878L464 259.882zM144 96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\tWorld War II\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-verg-rdsvika-has-many-visible-graves\">\u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika has many visible graves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you lived on Bjark\u00f8y in the first millennium, chances are you\u2019d be buried in \u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika. The graves here are the most easily detectable by the eye, at least if you know what to look for. Little mounds were built along the shore, so that one could see them from the sea. There are also remnants of two rather big boat houses, about 20 metres long, in the area. There is a path down to the sea, and a bench to sit on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-at-sandm-len-people-got-together-in-the-iron-age\">At Sandm\u00e6len people got together in the iron age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not visible to the eye but excavated in the 1950\u2019ies is the Sandm\u00e6len <em>ringtun<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/engeloya-an-ancient-city-in-northern-norway\/\">Ringtun <\/a>is a phenomenon from the west and north of Norway, a ensemble of houses built in a circle around a central courtyard. They seem not to have been lived in permanently, since there are shallow cultural layers and no trace of farm animals. People seem to have gathered here for parts of the year only. Maybe women and men from around the whole fjord system came here to participate in religious rites. Another possibility is that the warriors of the chieftains gathered here to train warcraft, a kind of temporary military camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-3\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_006_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_006_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB-2048x1365.jpg\" alt=\"View from \u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika bay towards Gryt\u00f8ya island in the south. In the hill above graves and boat houses can be detected in the terrain \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_006_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-caption=\"View from \u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika bay towards Gryt\u00f8ya island in the south. In the hill above graves and boat houses can be detected in the terrain \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_004_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_004_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn on Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_004_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-caption=\"Autumn on Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_005_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_005_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn terrain at Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ARTICISLANDS_005_Andre-Askeland_6720-x-4480_WEB.jpg\" data-caption=\"Autumn terrain at Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: View from \u00d8verg\u00e5rdsvika bay towards Gryt\u00f8ya island in the south. In the hill above graves and boat houses can be detected in the terrain \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: Autumn on Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: Autumn terrain at Bjark\u00f8ya Island \u00a9 Andr\u00e9 Askeland<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bjark-y-has-its-own-railway-engine\">Bjark\u00f8y has its own railway engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bjark\u00f8y even has its own railway, albeit very short. In the early years of the 20th c., iron was discovered in the hillside on the western slope of the central isthmus. A short railway line was built to transport the ore to the port. It was operational during a couple of years, until 1909.  Today the railway is mostly gone, but you can still see Bjark\u00f8yloket (&#8220;the Bjark\u00f8y engine&#8221;) housed under a roof northwest of the port. You can also walk up to the mines themselves, it is an easy walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-traces-are-faint-but-it-s-all-about-the-feeling\">The traces are faint, but it\u2019s all about the feeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After my tour around historic Bjark\u00f8y I reflected on what I had seen. There was precious little to see from Tore Hund&#8217;s era with the naked eye. It takes a trained eye to see old graves, and the boathouse rises a few inches above the ground. However, there landscape on Bjark\u00f8y exhudes history; houses of various ages are found among green fields protected by cliffs and hills. One just has to close one&#8217;s eyes to imagine longhouses of turf and Viking ships sailing into the bay. Because you know this was where it all happened. <\/p>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-vnn-gallery gallery-count-4\">\n\t\t<ul><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-3.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">01<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-3-2048x1365.jpg\" alt=\"Lots of nice houses to stop at at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-3.jpg\" data-caption=\"Lots of nice houses to stop at at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-6beta.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">02<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-6beta-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"The shop is where you can get a cup of coffee \u00a9 Dag Roland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-6beta.jpg\" data-caption=\"The shop is where you can get a cup of coffee \u00a9 Dag Roland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-7f.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">03<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-7f-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"Distances are small, the terrain is easy and the traffic very limited \u00a9 Dag Roland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-7f.jpg\" data-caption=\"Distances are small, the terrain is easy and the traffic very limited \u00a9 Dag Roland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-8-gamma.jpg\" data-size=\"2400x1600\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"block-gallery-count\">04<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-8-gamma-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"Touring Bjark\u00f8y Island on bike \u00a9 Dag Roland\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dag-roland-x-8-gamma.jpg\" data-caption=\"Touring Bjark\u00f8y Island on bike \u00a9 Dag Roland\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vnn-gallery-figcaptions\"><figcaption>01: Lots of nice houses to stop at at Bjark\u00f8y Island \u00a9 Dag Roland<\/figcaption><figcaption>02: The shop is where you can get a cup of coffee \u00a9 Dag Roland<\/figcaption><figcaption>03: Distances are small, the terrain is easy and the traffic very limited \u00a9 Dag Roland<\/figcaption><figcaption>04: Touring Bjark\u00f8y Island on bike \u00a9 Dag Roland<\/figcaption><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-spend-the-day-on-bjark-y-or-stay-overnight\">Spend the day on Bjark\u00f8y &#8211; or stay overnight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re staying in Harstad, you can easily take a daytrip by catamaran to Bjark\u00f8y. Boats leave in the morning most days; you can spend several hours and then return by boat to Harstad. It can be a good idea to bring a flask of coffee with you. But there is a little shop in the middle of the area of this article. Here there is also a caf\u00e9 corner where one can have coffee and a light sandwich lunch, the way Norwegians like it. There are also a couple of simple guest houses and holiday bungalows here, if you want to spend the night here. With a little bit of planning, it could be fun and interesting. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-style-faq\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\n\t\t\t\tPractical about Bjark\u00f8y\n\t\t\t<\/h3><div class=\"t2-accordion wp-block-t2-accordion\" data-allow-multiple=\"1\" role=\"list\"><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"where-is-bjark\u00f8y?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-7\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tWhere is Bjark\u00f8y?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-7\" aria-labelledby=\"where-is-bjark\u00f8y?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tBjark\u00f8y is part of an archipelago of hundreds of islands, of which 5 are inhabited, north of the city of Harstad, on almost exactly 69 degrees north. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"how-do-i-get-to-bjark\u00f8y?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-8\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow do I get to Bjark\u00f8y?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-8\" aria-labelledby=\"how-do-i-get-to-bjark\u00f8y?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThe easiest is to take the catamaran boat from Harstad. It leaves 2-4 times a day with the most departures on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Consult the website of Troms Fylkestrafikk or ask at the tourist information. If you have your own car, you can drive to Bjark\u00f8y. There is a short ferry crossing from Stornes (same island as Harstad) to Bj\u00f8rner\u00e5 (Gryt\u00f8ya island), and then a tunnel from Gryt\u00f8ya to Bjark\u00f8y. The driving distance is some 35 km. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"can-i-go-by-bike-from-harstad-to-bjark\u00f8y\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-9\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tCan I go by bike from Harstad to Bjark\u00f8y\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-9\" aria-labelledby=\"can-i-go-by-bike-from-harstad-to-bjark\u00f8y\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThe distance one way is 35 km, and there is a short ferry crossing. Traffic is low. The only obstacle is the tunnel, which might be a bit intimidating. However, bring a reflective vest, have a light on you bike and you should be fine. You could go one way or both ways by catamaran boat.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"t2-accordion-item wp-block-t2-accordion-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t2-accordion-title\">\n\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"t2-accordion-trigger\" id=\"can-i-stay-in-bjark\u00f8y-overnight?\" aria-controls=\"accordion-panel-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\tCan I stay in Bjark\u00f8y overnight?\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-closed-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevrondown\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 14.9c-.1 0-.3 0-.4-.1-.1 0-.2-.1-.3-.2L6.7 10c-.2-.1-.3-.4-.3-.6 0-.3.1-.5.3-.7.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3s.5.1.7.3l3.9 3.9 3.9-3.9c.2-.2.4-.3.7-.3.3 0 .5.1.7.3.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7l-4.6 4.6c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2H12z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"t2-accordion-icon is-open-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-chevronup\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6.7 14.7c-.2-.2-.3-.4-.3-.7s.1-.5.3-.7l4.6-4.6c.1-.1.2-.2.3-.2.1 0 .2-.1.4-.1.1 0 .3 0 .4.1.1 0 .2.1.3.2l4.6 4.6c.2.2.3.4.3.7s-.1.5-.3.7c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3L12 10.8l-3.9 3.9c-.2.2-.4.3-.7.3s-.5-.1-.7-.3z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"t2-accordion-item__inner-container is-layout-flow\" id=\"accordion-panel-10\" aria-labelledby=\"can-i-stay-in-bjark\u00f8y-overnight?\" role=\"region\" hidden>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"\">\n\t\t\t\tThere are a couple of places to stay. Consult the website of Visit Harstad. \n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"t2-featured-content-layout alignwide alignwide wp-block-t2-featured-content-layout\" role=\"list\"><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler todo-activities todo-archeology-and-early-history todo-architecture todo-art todo-attractions todo-coastal-culture todo-culture-and-history todo-eat-and-stay todo-food-in-northern-norway todo-hiking todo-hiking-trips todo-northern-lights todo-vikings season-autumn malgrupper-culture-lover malgrupper-heritage-explorer malgrupper-local-insider malgrupper-nature-lover wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/autumn-is-a-time-of-abundance-in-harstad\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 60% 35%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Aloha_2011-09-09_2444.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2>Autumn is a time of abundance in Harstad<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-activities\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-activites\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M625.941 293.823L421.823 497.941c-18.746 18.746-49.138 18.745-67.882 0l-.36-.36L592 259.882 331.397 0h48.721a48 48 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zm-128 0L293.823 497.941C284.451 507.314 272.166 512 259.882 512c-12.284 0-24.569-4.686-33.941-14.059L14.059 286.059A48 48 0 0 1 0 252.118V48C0 21.49 21.49 0 48 0h204.118a47.998 47.998 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zM464 259.882L252.118 48H48v204.118l211.886 211.878L464 259.882zM144 96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\tCulture and history\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler todo-eat-and-stay todo-food-in-northern-norway season-autumn season-spring season-summer season-winter region-harstad malgrupper-culture-specialist malgrupper-slow-traveller wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/the-road-from-farm-to-table-is-short-in-harstad\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 50% 50%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2022_NNReiseliv_Harstadmat-0242-768x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-region\">\n\t\t\t\tHarstad\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h2>The road from farm to table is short in Harstad<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-activities\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-activites\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M625.941 293.823L421.823 497.941c-18.746 18.746-49.138 18.745-67.882 0l-.36-.36L592 259.882 331.397 0h48.721a48 48 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zm-128 0L293.823 497.941C284.451 507.314 272.166 512 259.882 512c-12.284 0-24.569-4.686-33.941-14.059L14.059 286.059A48 48 0 0 1 0 252.118V48C0 21.49 21.49 0 48 0h204.118a47.998 47.998 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zM464 259.882L252.118 48H48v204.118l211.886 211.878L464 259.882zM144 96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\tEat and stay\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content is-post-type-artikler todo-activities todo-archeology-and-early-history todo-attractions todo-cross-country-skiing todo-culture-and-history todo-drink-in-northern-norway todo-eat-and-stay todo-food-in-northern-norway todo-northern-lights todo-roadcycling todo-skiing todo-surfing-and-kiting todo-vikings season-autumn season-winter region-harstad malgrupper-bucket-list-betty malgrupper-local-insider malgrupper-nature-lover wp-block-t2-featured-single-post t2-featured-content-layout-col-4\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t<div class=\"default-card wp-block-t2-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"t2-post-link wp-block-t2-post-link\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/come-to-harstad-for-relaxed-northern-lights-hunting\/\">\n<div class=\"t2-post-dynamic-part is-source-filter filter-default_card wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\">\n\t\t<figure style=\"--t2-focal-point: 66% 60%;\" class=\"t2-post-featured-image has-image-ratio-16-9 wp-block-t2-post-dynamic-part\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arne-Widding-view-of-Harstad-under-Northern-Lights-768x512.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t<div class=\"card-content\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-region\">\n\t\t\t\tHarstad\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h2>Come to Harstad for relaxed Northern Lights hunting<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-activities\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\" height=\"24\" width=\"24\" class=\"t2-icon t2-icon-activites\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M625.941 293.823L421.823 497.941c-18.746 18.746-49.138 18.745-67.882 0l-.36-.36L592 259.882 331.397 0h48.721a48 48 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zm-128 0L293.823 497.941C284.451 507.314 272.166 512 259.882 512c-12.284 0-24.569-4.686-33.941-14.059L14.059 286.059A48 48 0 0 1 0 252.118V48C0 21.49 21.49 0 48 0h204.118a47.998 47.998 0 0 1 33.941 14.059l211.882 211.882c18.745 18.745 18.745 49.137 0 67.882zM464 259.882L252.118 48H48v204.118l211.886 211.878L464 259.882zM144 96c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\tActivities\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"vnn__byline vnn-grid has-author has-date has-tags\"><div class=\"vnn__byline-meta\"><div class=\"vnn__byline-author\">Written by Knut Hansvold<\/div><div class=\"vnn__byline-date\">May 4, 2023<\/div><div class=\"vnn__byline-date\">Last updated September 1, 2025<\/div><\/div><div class=\"vnn__byline-tags\"><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_se-og-gjore=archeology-and-early-history\" rel=\"tag\">Archeology and early history<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_se-og-gjore=culture-and-history\" rel=\"tag\">Culture and history<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_se-og-gjore=vikings\" rel=\"tag\">Vikings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_omrder=harstad\" rel=\"tag\">Harstad<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_sesonger=autumn\" rel=\"tag\">Autumn<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_sesonger=spring\" rel=\"tag\">Spring<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_sesonger=summer\" rel=\"tag\">Summer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/experiences-and-activities\/?fwp_sesonger=winter\" rel=\"tag\">Winter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":23146,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_searchwp_excluded":"","vnn_header_layout":"featured","vnn_header_layout_image_id":23137,"vnn_header_layout_image_focal_point_x":0.54,"vnn_header_layout_image_focal_point_y":0.58,"vnn_header_layout_description":"","vnn_header_layout_url":"","vnn_header_layout_url_text":"","vnn_header_layout_photographer":"","vnn_header_layout_video_id":"","vnn_header_layout_yt_id":"","vnn_header_layout_vimeo_id":"","teft_location_geodata_lat":68.998878168425,"teft_location_geodata_lng":16.538200378418,"teft_cards_image_id":23146,"teft_cards_image_focal_point_x":0.5,"teft_cards_image_focal_point_y":0.5,"teft_cards_title":"","teft_cards_excerpt":"","footnotes":""},"todo":[65,19,20],"facilities":[],"season":[6,8,7,16],"region":[67],"malgrupper":[40,58,18,59],"class_list":["post-10211","artikler","type-artikler","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","todo-archeology-and-early-history","todo-culture-and-history","todo-vikings","season-autumn","season-spring","season-summer","season-winter","region-harstad","malgrupper-bucket-list-betty","malgrupper-local-insider","malgrupper-nature-lover","malgrupper-slow-traveller"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.5 (Yoast SEO v25.3.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y - Visit Northern Norway<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tore Hund slayed Norway&#039;s patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tore Hund slayed Norway&#039;s patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Visit Northern Norway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NorthernNorway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-01T11:17:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\" \/><meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-6-1024x342.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@NorthernNorway\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/\",\"name\":\"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y - Visit Northern Norway\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-05-04T09:30:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-01T11:17:16+00:00\",\"description\":\"Tore Hund slayed Norway's patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/\"]}],\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who was Tore Hund?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThe chieftaincy at Bjark\u00f8y possibly goes back to the 2-300s. Tore Hund was maybe born around 980-90, and was thus part of this dynasty. Probably he could speak at least some Sami, and possibly also had in laws among leading Sami families. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Conflict of interest with the king\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tKing Olav II, later Saint Olav, sought from his ascension to the throne in 1015 both to centralise power and convert all Norway to Christianity. This was carried out with a fair bit of Viking style use of power. Tore Hund and the other chieftains rightly feared their influence could be reduced. Tore Hund allied himself with chieftains along the waterway from Northern Norway down to the western coast, forming a mighty opposition to the king.\\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"The conflict got bloody\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\t In the early 1020\u2019ies the grain harvest failed in the north. The king introduced an export ban from the south to the north, so when Tore\u2019s nephew, Asbj\u00f8rn, sailed south to buy grain, nobody dared sell him any. He then killed one of the king\u2019s men, Tore Sel, gaining him the name Asbj\u00f8rn Selsbane (killer of Sel), and could then buy grain from his allies. But in 1024, Asbj\u00f8rn was killed by another of the king\u2019s men on a mission in Lofoten. Asbj\u00f8rn\u2019s mother and Tore\u2019s sister in law, Sigrid, gave the spear that killed Asbj\u00f8rn to Tore Hund, and urged him to avenge Asbj\u00f8rn. The conflict of interest had turned personal!\\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"The final battle gave Tore Hund revenge\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tIn 1028, Tore along with his powerful southern allies, had Olav dethroned. Instead, Canute of Denmark and England became the king of Norway. Olav fled to Gardariki (Russia). In 1030 he returned to claim his kingdom. The powerful chieftains of Norway mobilised, and at Stiklestad northeast of Trondheim, they engaged Olav\u2019s army in battle. Tore was on the ready with Selshevneren (The Sel avenger), the sword that killed Asbj\u00f8rn. He killed Olav on the battlefield and restored his and his family\u2019s honour. The opposition had finally vanquished the king.\\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What happened to Tore?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tAccording to the saga, Tore looked after the king\u2019s dead body. The wound on Tore\u2019s hand healed by the blood of the king, and the king\u2019s face looked peaceful as if he was sleeping. Miracles started to happen, and Olav became a saint. Tore left on a pilgrimage to Jorsal (Jerusalem in old Norse) and never returned, according to Heimskringla. Other sources give other explanations.\\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where do we get the information from?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThe big drama is written by the masterful saga writer Snorri Sturluson (modern Norwegian spelling Snorre Sturlason). In his work Heimskringla, he describes Saint Olav, Tore Hund and the big events in detail. It is, however, written around 1220, some 190 years after the drama. Although Snorri quotes the contemporary bards, we must assume there was a fair bit of dramatising going on. The drama is also mentioned in numerous other manuscripts from the late 12th and 13th  century. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which sources do you use for this article?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThe main source, apart from Bj\u00f8rn&#039;s information, is the booklet &quot;Fotefar mot nord&quot; from Bjark\u00f8y. The &quot;Fotefar mot nord&quot; project presented one historic attraction from each municipality in Northern Norway. Bjark\u00f8y, a separate municipality at the time, chose the historic landscape on the island as its contribution. This can be read digitally the National Library&#039;s website, with a summary in English\/German. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where is Bjark\u00f8y?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tBjark\u00f8y is part of an archipelago of hundreds of islands, of which 5 are inhabited, north of the city of Harstad, on almost exactly 69 degrees north. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I get to Bjark\u00f8y?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThe easiest is to take the catamaran boat from Harstad. It leaves 2-4 times a day with the most departures on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Consult the website of Troms Fylkestrafikk or ask at the tourist information. If you have your own car, you can drive to Bjark\u00f8y. There is a short ferry crossing from Stornes (same island as Harstad) to Bj\u00f8rner\u00e5 (Gryt\u00f8ya island), and then a tunnel from Gryt\u00f8ya to Bjark\u00f8y. The driving distance is some 35 km. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I go by bike from Harstad to Bjark\u00f8y\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThe distance one way is 35 km, and there is a short ferry crossing. Traffic is low. The only obstacle is the tunnel, which might be a bit intimidating. However, bring a reflective vest, have a light on you bike and you should be fine. You could go one way or both ways by catamaran boat.\\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I stay in Bjark\u00f8y overnight? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\\n\\t\\t\\t\\tThere are a couple of places to stay. Consult the website of Visit Harstad. \\n\\t\\t\\t&lt;\/p&gt;\"}}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Visit Northern Norway\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Visit Northern Norway\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Logo_Vertikal_EN.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Logo_Vertikal_EN.png\",\"width\":2482,\"height\":1754,\"caption\":\"Visit Northern Norway\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NorthernNorway\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/NorthernNorway\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/northernnorway\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/nordnorsk-reiseliv-as\",\"https:\/\/no.pinterest.com\/northernnorway\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/VisitNorthernNorway\/\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y - Visit Northern Norway","description":"Tore Hund slayed Norway's patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y","og_description":"Tore Hund slayed Norway's patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.","og_url":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/","og_site_name":"Visit Northern Norway","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NorthernNorway","article_modified_time":"2025-09-01T11:17:16+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""},{"url":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-6-1024x342.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg","twitter_site":"@NorthernNorway","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/","url":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/","name":"Follow the tracks of Tore Hund at Bjark\u00f8y - Visit Northern Norway","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/arvola-7-1.jpg","datePublished":"2023-05-04T09:30:59+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-01T11:17:16+00:00","description":"Tore Hund slayed Norway's patron saint in 1030, gaining him fame as a warrior. Follow his tracks around his home island of Bjark\u00f8y.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/nordnorge.com\/en\/artikkel\/follow-the-tracks-of-tore-hund-at-bjarkoy\/"]}],"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Who was Tore Hund?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tThe chieftaincy at Bjark\u00f8y possibly goes back to the 2-300s. Tore Hund was maybe born around 980-90, and was thus part of this dynasty. Probably he could speak at least some Sami, and possibly also had in laws among leading Sami families. \n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Conflict of interest with the king","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tKing Olav II, later Saint Olav, sought from his ascension to the throne in 1015 both to centralise power and convert all Norway to Christianity. This was carried out with a fair bit of Viking style use of power. Tore Hund and the other chieftains rightly feared their influence could be reduced. Tore Hund allied himself with chieftains along the waterway from Northern Norway down to the western coast, forming a mighty opposition to the king.\n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"The conflict got bloody","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\t In the early 1020\u2019ies the grain harvest failed in the north. The king introduced an export ban from the south to the north, so when Tore\u2019s nephew, Asbj\u00f8rn, sailed south to buy grain, nobody dared sell him any. He then killed one of the king\u2019s men, Tore Sel, gaining him the name Asbj\u00f8rn Selsbane (killer of Sel), and could then buy grain from his allies. But in 1024, Asbj\u00f8rn was killed by another of the king\u2019s men on a mission in Lofoten. Asbj\u00f8rn\u2019s mother and Tore\u2019s sister in law, Sigrid, gave the spear that killed Asbj\u00f8rn to Tore Hund, and urged him to avenge Asbj\u00f8rn. The conflict of interest had turned personal!\n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"The final battle gave Tore Hund revenge","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tIn 1028, Tore along with his powerful southern allies, had Olav dethroned. Instead, Canute of Denmark and England became the king of Norway. Olav fled to Gardariki (Russia). In 1030 he returned to claim his kingdom. The powerful chieftains of Norway mobilised, and at Stiklestad northeast of Trondheim, they engaged Olav\u2019s army in battle. Tore was on the ready with Selshevneren (The Sel avenger), the sword that killed Asbj\u00f8rn. He killed Olav on the battlefield and restored his and his family\u2019s honour. The opposition had finally vanquished the king.\n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happened to Tore?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tAccording to the saga, Tore looked after the king\u2019s dead body. The wound on Tore\u2019s hand healed by the blood of the king, and the king\u2019s face looked peaceful as if he was sleeping. Miracles started to happen, and Olav became a saint. Tore left on a pilgrimage to Jorsal (Jerusalem in old Norse) and never returned, according to Heimskringla. Other sources give other explanations.\n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Where do we get the information from?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tThe big drama is written by the masterful saga writer Snorri Sturluson (modern Norwegian spelling Snorre Sturlason). In his work Heimskringla, he describes Saint Olav, Tore Hund and the big events in detail. It is, however, written around 1220, some 190 years after the drama. Although Snorri quotes the contemporary bards, we must assume there was a fair bit of dramatising going on. The drama is also mentioned in numerous other manuscripts from the late 12th and 13th  century. \n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which sources do you use for this article?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tThe main source, apart from Bj\u00f8rn&#039;s information, is the booklet &quot;Fotefar mot nord&quot; from Bjark\u00f8y. The &quot;Fotefar mot nord&quot; project presented one historic attraction from each municipality in Northern Norway. Bjark\u00f8y, a separate municipality at the time, chose the historic landscape on the island as its contribution. This can be read digitally the National Library&#039;s website, with a summary in English\/German. \n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Where is Bjark\u00f8y?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tBjark\u00f8y is part of an archipelago of hundreds of islands, of which 5 are inhabited, north of the city of Harstad, on almost exactly 69 degrees north. \n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do I get to Bjark\u00f8y?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tThe easiest is to take the catamaran boat from Harstad. It leaves 2-4 times a day with the most departures on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Consult the website of Troms Fylkestrafikk or ask at the tourist information. If you have your own car, you can drive to Bjark\u00f8y. There is a short ferry crossing from Stornes (same island as Harstad) to Bj\u00f8rner\u00e5 (Gryt\u00f8ya island), and then a tunnel from Gryt\u00f8ya to Bjark\u00f8y. The driving distance is some 35 km. \n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I go by bike from Harstad to Bjark\u00f8y","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"&lt;p class=&quot;&quot;&gt;\n\t\t\t\tThe distance one way is 35 km, and there is a short ferry crossing. Traffic is low. The only obstacle is the tunnel, which might be a bit intimidating. However, bring a reflective vest, have a light on you bike and you should be fine. You could go one way or both ways by catamaran boat.\n\t\t\t&lt;\/p&gt;"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I stay in Bjark\u00f8y overnight? 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