"The Swords in Rock monument in Hafrsfjord, Stavanger marks the Viking battle of Hafrsfjord when Norway was united into one kingdom. The Battle of Hafrsfjord is considered to be the most important battle that contributed to the gathering of West Norway and Norway into one country. Back then, Norway was run by several kings, and the battle was between the victorious King Harald Fairhair and other kings. The three bronze swords stand 10 metres (33 ft) tall and are planted into the rock of a small hill next to the fjord. The swords symbolize peace, unity and freedom. The hilts of the Viking swords are taken from swords found in different parts of the country. The monument is made by Fritz Røed, and was unveiled by King Olav in 1983. The dating of the battle to 872 is approximate."
The entire family stopped by a few times to see it, but we had to come back on a different day once we figured out the best time for some pictures. For most of the day the sun location and angle this time of year didn't make for good pictures. When we did have a chance for a good picture, we all lined up in front of one of the swords, not paying attention to the seagull that had also decided to take a rest at the top of one. Sure enough, Julia got pooped on right on the head, which makes for a pretty good family memory.
The jogging path was a pretty standard path that followed the coastline until it go to a rocky point where the path would either need to end, or a sweeping bridge over the water needed to be built. The Norwegians choose to build a walkway bridge, and it is pretty cool.
