Baldersteinen, Ancient stone monument in Sogndal, Norway
Baldersteinen is a standing stone monument in Sogndal that rises prominently near National Road 55 in Leikanger municipality. The structure sits adjacent to the newer cemetery, marking a significant archaeological location in the region.
The monument dates to the Iron Age, erected between 500 and 800 AD on what was originally a burial mound. Agricultural practices across centuries gradually altered the landscape where it stands.
The name connects this site to Norse mythology and the god Balder, reflecting how ancient cultures marked their sacred places. Such stone monuments served as focal points for communities and their spiritual beliefs.
The monument sits next to the newer cemetery and is easily visible from the roadside. The site is open and accessible at any time of day.
Excavations in 1994 uncovered an Iron Age burial field surrounding the stone, revealing that the area served as a cemetery for generations. This discovery demonstrated the site's importance as a burial ground long before and after the monument was placed.
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