At Søndre Hella on Nøtterøy, you can explore an ancient burial ground with more than 20 recorded burial monuments dating from the Iron Age. The site faces west towards Vestfjorden and forms part of a coastal area also popular for walking and swimming. It is a place where natural surroundings and ancient history come together.
An ancient burial ground by the fjord
The burial ground at Søndre Hella contains both small and large burial monuments believed to date from the Iron Age. Several graves show signs of disturbance, but none have been archaeologically excavated. As a result, we do not know for certain who was buried here. The area was cleared and maintained through conservation work in the 1990s and around the year 2000, making the burial monuments easier to recognise in the landscape.
Ancient routes connecting land and sea
Søndre Hella was more than a burial site. Old sunken tracks, formed by generations of people travelling along the same routes, lead from inland Nøtterøy towards the fjord. These tracks reveal the importance of the sea as a transport route, connecting farms and settlements on Nøtterøy with the mainland. Archaeological traces of earlier settlement and cultivation have also been recorded near the burial ground. Together, they tell the story of a landscape used by people for many centuries.
The Devil's Gaming Table
One of the area's most unusual features is a stone formation known as Fandens spillebord, or the Devil's Gaming Table. It consists of a large boulder resting on several smaller stones. Its origin remains uncertain, and it is not known whether the formation has a direct connection to the burial ground. The unusual arrangement and intriguing name make it a distinctive part of the area's cultural heritage.
Explore more of Vestfold's ancient history
For another remarkable Viking Age burial site, visit the Oseberg Mound in Tønsberg, where the famous Oseberg ship and the remains of two women were discovered in 1904. You can also explore the Viking Trail through Vestfold, connecting some of the region's most important archaeological sites.
Practical information
Søndre Hella is located on the western side of Nøtterøy in Færder municipality, overlooking Vestfjorden. The outdoor burial ground can be explored independently. The surrounding area is also used for walking and swimming, but visitors should treat the ancient monuments with care. Follow established paths and avoid moving stones or disturbing the burial mounds and surrounding ground. There is no need to book a guided tour to see the burial ground.