Burial grounds and rock carvings
Innherred is steeped in Norwegian history, with the legendary Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 at its core. The area is brimming with ancient treasures like burial grounds and fascinating rock carvings. Hop on a bike or jump in the car and set off on a historical adventure through breathtaking scenery.
Bøla helleristning – en av Europas mest kjente helleristning. Foto: Dina Rindsem v/Explorative AS
Traces of people who lived in Innherred hundreds of years before our time can still be seen today – from ancient burial grounds to remarkable rock carvings scattered across the landscape.
Rock Carvings
Explore the Ancient Rock Carvings of Innherred
Mysterious figures etched into stone can be found throughout the Innherred region, offering a fascinating glimpse into life thousands of years ago.
At Bardal, just outside Steinkjer, you’ll find one of Trøndelag’s largest rock carving sites, featuring a wide variety of figures.
Travel 30 km east to Bøla, home to the iconic Bøla Reindeer – one of the most famous rock art figures in Europe.
In Kvennavik, Mosvik (Inderøy), you’ll discover the largest collection of fish figures in the Nordic region.
And at the Holtås Rock Carving Site in Levanger, striking Stone Age carvings depict around a hundred animals etched into the flat rock surface.
Each site reveals a different chapter of prehistory – waiting to be explored.
Burial sites – and mounds
Burial sites and mounds are another type of ancient monument found throughout the region. Larger burial grounds can be explored at Skeifeltet in Sparbu, south of Steinkjer, Helgefeltet near Byafossen east of Steinkjer, and at Hegstadmarka and Hallemsmarka in Verdal, where multiple graves are gathered in impressive clusters.
At Gjeite, a hilltop overlooking Levanger, there has been continuous settlement for thousands of years, with 28 burial mounds surrounding the farm.
On Skånes at Kaustangen, between Verdal and Levanger, you’ll find a star-shaped burial ground dating back to the Late Iron Age.
At Toldnes by Beitstadfjorden, guided tours are offered at the “Island of the Dead” – an important piece of our shared history. The over 3,000-year-old traces of human life and death provide both knowledge and a deep connection to the past, which we are eager to share with all interested visitors.
More Information:
Download the brochure «Guide to 10 cultural heritage sites in Steinkjer». Or pick up a copy at Innherred tourist office (Norwegian, English and German)
This brochure will guide you to 10 fascinating and beautiful cultural heritage sites in Steinkjer, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the region’s rich history.