Cultural Heritage
The St. Olav's Spring on Karmøy
Situated along Kystpilegrimsleia
The spring can still be seen to this day. It is called St. Olav's Spring and never runs dry. If you are ill, the water from St. Olav's Spring is said to bring healing. If you have warts on your hands, you can go to St. Olav's Spring and dip them in the water a few times.
In the northern part of Karmøy lies the village of Torvastad. A valley runs through Torvastad from south to north. The valley floor is only a few meters above sea level, but in earlier times, the sea extended into this area. As a result, there was a strait separating the eastern and western parts of Torvastad. Through this strait once sailed St. Olav. When he had reached the midpoint of the strait, his crew told him they were thirsty. The king then went ashore. Wearing his iron gloves, he struck his hand against a hollow in the rock. Immediately, clear and fresh water gushed forth. This is what the people of Torvastad tell about St. Olav's Spring.
The Legend of St. Olav's Spring
Film: Inger Lise Nordhus
