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Photo: Magma Geopark

St. Olavsormen

Geological formation in Eigersund

Geology and nature

Thousands of years ago, Magma Geopark was covered by a thick glacier. As the ice began to melt, meltwater formed a river that flowed under the ice in a long, winding tunnel. The meltwater carried clay, sand and boulders towards the front of the glacier. When the ice melted away, the tunnel had been filled with this material and it remained as a long, winding ridge in the landscape. It was soon covered by vegetation. Such a ridge, formed in a tunnel under the ice, is called a box.

The solid rock on Eige is anorthosite, which was formed 930 million years ago. The mountains in the north, towards Solbjørgnipa in Bjerkreim, are made of even older rocks and are called gneiss.

Culture and history

Legend has it that there was once an evil worm, the Midgard Serpent, that lived in the sea. It was 2 kilometres long and its body was at least 10 metres thick. One day the Midgard Serpent decided to move from the sea to a lake, but unfortunately for the big snake, it met King Olav. The snake and King Olav started a great battle to decide Eige's fate. The battle continued for several days and nights, until King Olav finally managed to kill the snake on the plain of Eige. As proof of King Olav's victory, the worm's body has been transformed into the long, grassy, winding hill that you can see here.

How to get there?

Follow RV44 from Egersund in the direction of Hellvik. Just before you arrive in Hellvik, you can see the worm in two places in the lake on your right. In Moibukta, just before you drive out of Eigersund municipality and into Hå municipality, you will find signs with information about the geology of Moibukta. We are currently working with landowners in the area to make larger parts of the 2-kilometre long worm accessible.

Duration: 0 hours

Show consideration:

Parks in the parking lot, and show respect for the private land.
Pay attention to the animals along the route.
Remember to close gates behind you.
Dogs must be on a leash.
Leave only footprints!

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