Swords in Rock
Swords in Rock
4
About
At Hafrsfjord we find the monument Swords in Rock. It was here Harald Harfagre fought a battle that united Norway into one kingdom in 872 AD. The monument represents peace, unity and freedom. The Viking swords' hilts are modelled on swords found in various parts of the country. The monument was made by Friz Roed (1928-2002) and unveiled by King Olav in 1983. The monument can be reached by bus nr. 29 from the centre of Stavanger.
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- BigJeff L2,013 contributionsImpressive and uniqueSverd i fjell to give it its proper name is very impressive. The monument was created by sculptor Fritz Røed and was unveiled by King Olav V of Norway in 1983. The three bronze swords stand 10 metres tall and are planted into the rock of a small hill next to the fjord. They commemorate the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord which took place there in the year 872, when King Harald Fairhair gathered all of Norway under one crown. I would say that this is a must do if in the area.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 10, 2023
- Stuart_Away_AgainCambridge, United Kingdom882 contributionsVery ImpressiveWe made our way to the Swords monument on a very wet public holiday. Good connections from Stavanger by bus but a bit of walking is necessary. The Swords are impressive and the historical significance clearly explained. Probably looks even better when the weather is good and you can see more!Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 10, 2024
- ianjmc85Liverpool, United Kingdom457 contributionsImpressive, quite atmospheric.We were in Stavanger for the day on a cruise. Main thing we wanted to see was The Swords in the Rock. Caught the HOHO bus tour got off here, a little bit of drizzle, but a very impressive site, if you're lucky enough to be there on your own, then it's quite atmospheric until the crowds arrive.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 30, 2024
- Richard JLondon, United Kingdom1,775 contributionsIconic historical siteVisited the site as part of a tour. In itself a a collection of large metal swords set in the ground but with the context of Norwegian history an iconic site. The scene of a battle culminating in the uniting of the Viking factions. Now dedicated to 'peace.' Set against the background of an immense fjord.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 17, 2024
- ScotinEnglandSt Anne, United Kingdom2,113 contributionsPoignant memorialA fascinating memorial reminding us how Norway came to be United where once it was 25 fiefdoms. An amazing account of the symbolism of the three swords being brought together under one king. A great position for the memorial. Good views of the fiord.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2024
- Andrea BDurham, United Kingdom25 contributionsDefinitely worth a visit!Spent a couple of hours here direct from the airport on Flybussen FB50. Lovely area to explore, Sverd I Fjell is great for some pics. It sits very close to the water, has beautiful surroundings and has food vans on site. Great for picnics, walks, swimming and relaxing.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 11, 2024
- Craig KBournemouth, United Kingdom11 contributionsThe Three SwordsRecently visited at the start of September! Very easy to get to from Stavanger (Number 16 bus from the city) and it’s well worth the effort. The swords are amazing to see and the view from the bay was nice. I sort of wish I was there in the evening where I understand the swords are lit up, but perhaps that’s for another time. There is a park/small beach which is good to rest in and a small ice cream hut. My only note is that there is nothing around the stones to explain what they are and why they are there. I know we all have Google but even so, something on site would be good. Would definitely visit again!!Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Alan C
Aberdeen58 contributions
Mar 2020
May be an important part of Norwegian history ...but as a tourist it is rather insignificant .A small illustrative plaque.Thats it .
Give it a miss unless you want to see a piece of rather modern artistic gesture.
If it is so important to the Norwegians .More effort should be shown
Give it a miss unless you want to see a piece of rather modern artistic gesture.
If it is so important to the Norwegians .More effort should be shown
Written May 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anda A
Slovenia266 contributions
Jul 2021
Stavanger is a really nice city and if you have time, do visit this bay (or par, or whatever they call it). We were lucky with the weather, and there weren't many people on the location so we could make some nice photos. The statue of 3 swords is quite impressive, but there is not much else to do there so it is actually a short stopover. Unless you want to have picnic in the area, which is always a good idea when in Norway.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel&Dive
Ban Pong, Thailand1,798 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Nestled halfway between the airport and town centre so your not far if you are staying at an airport hotel or in the centre.
3 20ft stone swords overlooking the sea. Actually quite nice and relaxing, I went just after sunrise today and it was peaceful with just a few exercisers running about and a flyfisgerman in the sea. Its worth a visit to see these and just take in the crisp fresh Norwegian Air.
No man made walk way so could be a bit awkward for those with mobility problems but these are clearly visible from the car park so you can still see them.
Free parking right next to these
3 20ft stone swords overlooking the sea. Actually quite nice and relaxing, I went just after sunrise today and it was peaceful with just a few exercisers running about and a flyfisgerman in the sea. Its worth a visit to see these and just take in the crisp fresh Norwegian Air.
No man made walk way so could be a bit awkward for those with mobility problems but these are clearly visible from the car park so you can still see them.
Free parking right next to these
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigJeff L
2,013 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Sverd i fjell to give it its proper name is very impressive. The monument was created by sculptor Fritz Røed and was unveiled by King Olav V of Norway in 1983. The three bronze swords stand 10 metres tall and are planted into the rock of a small hill next to the fjord. They commemorate the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord which took place there in the year 872, when King Harald Fairhair gathered all of Norway under one crown. I would say that this is a must do if in the area.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoC22
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK210 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Fantastic sculpture, worth a trip out from Stavanger on local bus if you don’t have a car. On a nice day you can sit on nearby picnic benches and enjoy the scenery.
We took bus 16 from Stavanger and it took 20 minutes to get there.
We took bus 16 from Stavanger and it took 20 minutes to get there.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dietmar von Anders
Bad Malente, Germany110 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
"Sverd i fjell" is a monument in the heart of Møllebukta in Hafrsfjord, Stavanger municipality. There are three large swords that have been placed in the rock in memory of the battle in Hafrsfjord in 872, when Harald Hårfagre united Norway into one kingdom. For me as a Viking fan it was fantastic to stand in this famous place.
Written May 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianjmc85
Liverpool, UK457 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We were in Stavanger for the day on a cruise. Main thing we wanted to see was The Swords in the Rock. Caught the HOHO bus tour got off here, a little bit of drizzle, but a very impressive site, if you're lucky enough to be there on your own, then it's quite atmospheric until the crowds arrive.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScotinEngland
St Anne, UK2,113 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A fascinating memorial reminding us how Norway came to be United where once it was 25 fiefdoms. An amazing account of the symbolism of the three swords being brought together under one king. A great position for the memorial. Good views of the fiord.
Written July 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin C
Houston, TX59 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Great stop on the side of the road. Not much more than what you see in the photos besides a plaque in Norwegian (have to read all about it online). It's next to a campsite where some viking boats were as well. Easy to get good photos, and parking wasn't busy. There is nothing stopping you from jumping in the water (swimming spot next to the campsite), so couldn't stay long w/ our toddler.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laguna_Oslo
Jessheim, Norway65 contributions
Jul 2020
It is what it is, Swords in Rock, no more no less. But nice scenery, and could be a place for picnic. Free parking, but at the day of visit there where alot of people there, and cloudy weather. So we just made a short visit, or you might call it a photostop. :-)
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I get here from the cruise terminal?
Written September 5, 2024
suite au commentaires sur les trois épee c est possible d y allez en taxi je pense que ça sera moins cher que en excurtion merci de votre reponse et avez vous fait le gros rocher a maloy
je vous remercie
ANNIE
Written July 25, 2022
Bonjour, le site est-il facilement accessible depuis le centre-ville de Stavanger ? Bus ?...
Written October 26, 2019
Avec le bus 16, depuis la place du lac dans le centre de Stavanger, arrêtez-vous juste devant une académie militaire, de là aux épées, à environ 10 minutes à pied.
Written October 27, 2019
Wir waren gerade in Stavanger und haben uns die Sehenswürdigkeit angesehen. Wenn man gerade vor Ort ist, sollte man es sich ansehen. Wir hatten gerade das Pech, dass zwei Kreuzfahrtliner in Stavanger angelegt haben und das Monument permanent von den Passagieren belegt war und ordentliche Fotos nicht möglich waren
Written June 20, 2019
Not really a question is it? More of just a comment. A shame the site was busy with cruise passengers.
Written July 23, 2019
Anyone know what number bus we need to take and where from? We are arriving at the end of a cruise.
Written February 1, 2019
Google Maps says the #16 bus is the most direct. You’ll have to walk from the cruise ship area to the Stavanger S bus station. About 15 mins later it drops you off about 400m shy of your destination which you’ll finish on foot.
There are other bus routes that get relatively close as well, but longer journeys.
Written February 1, 2019
How far is this from the centre of Stavanger, is it walkable, easy to find?
Written January 31, 2019
Approx 6 km from city centre. Easy to find!
Written April 13, 2019
The parking next to the swords is charged or free?
Written October 1, 2017
I could be wrong but I think it’s free. Only because I saw people coming out of the cars and walking over. We were on a coach and the driver parked and waited.
There was also a little bit of an off road parking bit too. Enjoy and oh one tip take a photo on the opposite side the sun is shining for a better photo. We nearly got caught out with that that one. xx
Written October 2, 2017
how far is it from the cruise dock.
Written May 1, 2017
you can take a public bus from close by.
There is a tourist office in the center, they can give you a map and show you, where the bus leaves.
Or you can take a cap, cheaper with 4 people.
The bus driver was very friendly, we did not have to pay because we did not have the correct amount !
Good luck, hope you have better weather than we had
Written May 2, 2017
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