Swords in Rock
Iconic monument with three colossal bronze swords, commemorating the 872 Battle of Hafrsfjord and Norway's unification.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Swords in Rock
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic monument with three colossal bronze swords, commemorating the 872 Battle of Hafrsfjord and Norway's unification.
"Impressive, powerful, and a must-see landmark with a dramatic coastal backdrop."
🚗 Easy Access by Car/Uber
Uber or driving is convenient, costing around £20 each way from Stavanger. Free parking is available.
🚶♀️ Walk from Bus Stop
Buses or open-top buses from Stavanger port get you within a 5-minute walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Swords
Hafrsfjord
Three colossal bronze swords, each 10 meters tall, dramatically embedded in the rock.
Battle of Hafrsfjord Memorial
Hafrsfjord
A powerful tribute to the 872 battle that united Norway under King Harald Fairhair.
Fjord-side Ambiance
Hafrsfjord
Stunning coastal views and a dramatic setting overlooking the fjord.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting to the Monument
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access by Car/Uber
Uber or driving is convenient, costing around £20 each way from Stavanger. Free parking is available.
🚶♀️ Walk from Bus Stop
Buses or open-top buses from Stavanger port get you within a 5-minute walk.
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
Sunny weather enhances the beauty of the fjord and the monument.
📚 Research History Beforehand
No info boards on-site, so reading up on the Battle of Hafrsfjord adds meaning.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access by Car/Uber
Uber or driving is convenient, costing around £20 each way from Stavanger. Free parking is available.
🚶♀️ Walk from Bus Stop
Buses or open-top buses from Stavanger port get you within a 5-minute walk.
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
Sunny weather enhances the beauty of the fjord and the monument.
📚 Research History Beforehand
No info boards on-site, so reading up on the Battle of Hafrsfjord adds meaning.
📸 Capture Different Angles
Explore various viewpoints, including from the water for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the striking visual impact and historical significance of the Swords in Rock monument. Its dramatic fjord-side setting and powerful symbolism of Norway's unification are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note the lack of on-site information, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-see in the Stavanger region.
"Loved this place, dark, moody and somewhat foreboding. Well it was on the day we came. We were on the Cruise ship "Iona" which had docked in Stavanger that morning. There were some organised trips but to be honest we thought we would just make our own way there. Not being the most energetic of people I opted for an UBER which was about £20 each way. On arrival there were plenty of people there but we still got to get the requisite photos on our own by the swords. They are, I have to say, impressive. Not 'Angel of the North' impressive but not far off. They sit on a small promontory with sea on three sides which adds to the ambiance. I also took a photo with my back to the swords looking out round the bay. Definitely a spot you should always aim to go if your in the area."
Bobby Dazzler
"Visited on a sunny Saturday morning in late May, with clear skies and no wind — the perfect conditions to experience this impressive site. Sverd i fjell is beautifully situated on a rocky outcrop by the fjord, offering great views and a sense of openness. Though the small parking lot was nearly full, people spread out nicely, creating a calm and pleasant atmosphere.
The three enormous swords are truly striking — powerfully shaped, beautifully placed, and well-proportioned. The symbolism, referring to the Battle of Hafrsfjord and the unification of Norway under Harald Fairhair, is strong and tangible. While I didn't see any information boards on site (or simply missed them), I had read up beforehand, which made the visit all the more meaningful.
Nearby there's a small public beach (with toilets, though you need to park at a different location to access them), and a sort of stepping-stone pier that stretches out into the fjord. On a calm day, it offers a spectacular perspective of the monument from the water — not for the faint of heart!
Absolutely recommended. This is a place where history, symbolism, and art blend seamlessly with nature. It's both a powerful reminder of Norway’s origins and a beautiful piece of public art in a stunning setting."
Arne Kaiser
"Had a nice walk to this place. The wind was strong but luckily we got some sun. The see looked beautiful under the sun, and we could enjoy our visit better."
Mai Huong Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Swords in Rock by car, Uber, or public bus. Uber is a convenient option, costing around £20 each way from Stavanger. Buses also run from the port and drop you a short walk away.
Yes, there is a small, free car park available near the monument. It can get full on busy days.
While it's a bit of a distance for a casual stroll from Stavanger, you can enjoy a pleasant walk from the nearest bus stop, which is about a 5-minute walk to the monument.
Yes, public buses operate from Stavanger to the Hafrsfjord area, making it accessible via public transport.
Many visitors find driving or taking an Uber to be the most direct and comfortable way. However, public transport is also a viable and budget-friendly option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Swords in Rock is an outdoor monument and is free to visit. Tickets are not required.
As an outdoor monument, Swords in Rock is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Swords in Rock. It's a public monument that can be visited freely.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended as the monument is best appreciated in daylight for its visual impact and historical context.
While organized tours might be available from cruise ships or local operators, the monument itself does not have official guided tours on-site. Many visitors opt to explore independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The monument commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, where King Harald Fairhair united Norway. The three swords symbolize victory and the establishment of peace. 
The monument was created by Norwegian artist Fritz Røed and was unveiled by King Olav V.
The three impressive swords are made of bronze.
While there are no facilities directly at the monument, there is a small public beach nearby with toilets, though access might require parking at a different location.
Experiment with different angles, including from the water's edge or with the fjord as a backdrop. Golden hour can provide beautiful lighting.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons during the 'golden hour' offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Sunny days also provide clear, vibrant shots.
Consider capturing the swords with the fjord in the background, or from a lower angle to emphasize their scale. The stepping-stone pier offers a unique perspective from the water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the monument and its surroundings. However, any camera, including a smartphone, can capture stunning images.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific restrictions in the area before flying.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light, but even midday on a clear day provides good visibility and striking contrasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. The short walk from parking or bus stops is manageable for most children. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to Norwegian history in a visually impressive setting, making learning fun and memorable.
📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with different angles, including low-angle shots to emphasize the swords' height and wide-angle shots to encompass the fjord and surrounding landscape. The stepping-stone pier extending into the water provides a unique vantage point for capturing reflections or a more dynamic perspective.
🏛️ History Buffs
+2Since on-site information is minimal, it's highly recommended to research the historical background before your visit. This will allow you to fully appreciate the symbolism of the swords and the significance of the location. The monument serves as a tangible link to Norway's foundational history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Sverd i Fjell
The monument's location in Hafrsfjord is significant, as this is believed to be the site of the historic battle. The dramatic setting, overlooking the fjord, adds to the monument's imposing presence and historical resonance. Visitors often feel a strong connection to Norway's Viking past when standing before these imposing swords.
Beyond its historical importance, Sverd i Fjell is also celebrated as a significant piece of public art. Its integration with the natural landscape makes it a striking landmark that draws visitors from around the world. The monument serves as a constant reminder of the nation's origins and the enduring spirit of its people.
Experiencing Swords in Rock: Tips from Visitors
Practical advice from travelers highlights the ease of access. While some opt for organized tours, many find that driving or taking an Uber from Stavanger is straightforward and relatively affordable, with parking available on-site. For those on a budget or seeking a more scenic route, public buses are a viable option, dropping visitors a short walk from the monument.
It's also noted that there are no information boards directly at the site. Therefore, it's highly recommended to research the history of the Battle of Hafrsfjord and King Harald Fairhair beforehand to fully grasp the monument's significance. This preparation enhances the visitor's understanding and appreciation of this iconic Norwegian landmark.
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