Cultural Heritage
The Olav cross in Korssund
Situated along Kystpilegrimsleia - the coastal pilgrim route
This is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful of the approximately 50 stone crosses erected along the West Coast during the early Christian era in the 11th century.
The cross is carved out of garnet mica slate in Hyllestad, 3.85 cm high, and only 31-38 cm thick. Including the foundation underground, the cross is around 5 meters long. The cross probably functioned as a navigation mark through the narrow strait, and may also have been a gathering place in the early Christian era. The cross is said to have been erected by King Olav Haraldsson around the year 1030. According to legend, St. Olav opened the strait so that his ships could sail through. Northeast of the stone cross you will also find an Olavskjelde. Korssundet is an old guesthouse, and there are nice marked hiking trails in the area.