In the tranquil seaside town of Gloppen, archaeologists have announced that a prominent, mysterious hill with sweeping views of the fjords is the largest man-made burial mound in Western Norway and one of the largest in the Nordic countries. The announcement, made on December 20, 2024, by the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, sheds new light on the region’s ancient history and cultural significance.
Gloppen is nestled along the western coast of Norway. The area’s geography is defined by two fjords branching off the main waterway: Hyefjorden and Gloppefjorden. The latter lends its name to the municipality, with “Gloppi” likely deriving from an Old Norse word meaning “narrow opening” or “mountain gorge.”
Karnilshaugen is located in scenic surroundings. Here you can see Gloppefjorden and the mountains in the background, Photo Credit: Jan Magnus Weiberg-Aurdal, National Agency for Cultural Heritage
The mound, named Karnilshaugen, dominates the local landscape. It was long assumed to be human-made, but no evidence was available to confirm that assumption. “We can now confirm that, and it is very exciting,” says Christian Løchsen Rødsrud, senior advisor and archaeologist at the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
This discovery is the result of a collaborative effort between the University of Bergen and the University of Stavanger. Using ground-penetrating radar technology, researchers uncovered evidence that Karnilshaugen was artificially constructed, confirming those suspicions held by archaeologists for decades. The surveys revealed man-made layers beneath the mound’s surface, dispelling any doubt that it is a natural formation. The mound stands about 23 feet tall and roughly 160 feet wide but, the research teams says it was probably much larger centuries ago.
It also holds another secret. “This is the only ancient burial mound in Norway linked to a solar phenomenon,” Rødsrud noted, emphasizing its unique astronomical and cultural connections.
“At the winter and summer solstices, the sun shines on the mound through a crevice in the mountain at a specific time. There is a lot of mystery and superstition drawn into the landscape there, and the placement of the monument is deliberate,” he elaborated.
During the solstices, sunlight passes through the crevice and illuminates the mound. This phenomenon suggests that Karnilshaugen may have been a deliberate gathering place, imbued with both practical and spiritual significance. The site, also known as “tinghaugen at Hauge,” may have served as a communal or ceremonial location, further underscoring its importance in the Iron Age and Viking Age.
defaultAerial photo of Karnilshaugen with a view towards Gloppefjorden. Courtesy: University Museum of Bergen
“We believe Karnilshaugen belongs to the same political environment and chiefdom as Myklebusthaugen in Nordfjordeid,” Rødsrud added, referring to another prominent burial mound in the region. Together, these sites reflect the social and political structures of their time, offering glimpses into the lives of ancient Norwegians.
Despite the recent advancements in understanding Karnilshaugen’s origins, much about the mound remains unknown and will likely remain so for the near future. It has never been excavated, leaving its contents a mystery.
“Could it house a Viking ship, as other burial mounds have been found to do?” Rødsrud cautions against speculation but acknowledges the allure of such possibilities. “We will not get the answer to that now.”
For now, Karnilshaugen’s secrets remain safely sealed within its layers. “The prevailing practice in archaeology is to leave well-preserved sites undisturbed,” Rødsrud explained. Excavation could damage the site, but he noted that modern technologies like advanced radar systems may eventually provide further insights without disrupting the mound itself.
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