Norway is home to a plethora of supernatural legends and eerie ghost stories, which can be experienced throughout the year. From the notorious former prison in Oslo, to haunted hotels in spectacular surroundings, there are plenty of chilling supernatural stories and experiences to be found across the country.
Here’s just a few of them:
Akershus Fortress, Oslo
There are few places in Norway that boast a greater abundance of supernatural tales than Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Standing guard over the capital's inner harbor for seven centuries, this castle has never witnessed a foreign hostile force breach its defences. Nevertheless, the history within its dim corridors and behind its towering walls is not without its share of bloodshed.
For many years, parts of the castle served as a prison for some of Norway's most notorious criminals. The sentence often involved gruelling physical labour, and the prison was infamous for using irons, chains, and prisoner isolation as disciplinary techniques. Over the years, there’s been several reports of whispers and scratching along the fortress hallways, and many guards have noticed weird anomalies – like the sensation of being pushed – while alone on duty.
The prison at the castle was closed down in 1950.
Dalen Hotel, Telemark
Among the many Norwegian places of lodging associated with the strange and supernatural, Dalen Hotel in Telemark stands out as one of the most (in)famous.
Guests and staff often share accounts of room 17's notoriety, where the spirit referred to as "The English Lady" lingers in her eternal unrest. Originally known as Miss Greenfield of England, she arrived at Dalen Hotel one spring morning during the late 19th century and stayed as a guest for several months. Remarkably, her pregnancy remained a secret from the hotel's staff, and it was only after Miss Greenfield's departure that they made a grim discovery in the room - a lifeless infant.
Miss Greenfield was arrested and charged with murder but took her own life before the trial could begin. To this day, a table is set for her in the hotel restaurant.
The Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim
Norway’s most important cathedral is also home to a most famous ghost. “The Monk” of The Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim was first seen in 1924 by bishop Marie Gleditsch, who claimed the apparition had a bloody gash along its throat.
Ever since there have been frequent reports of inexplicable chanting and organ music in the cathedral late at night. Norway’s most notorious ghost is also among the most controversial. Several historians claim that no order of monks were ever connected to The Nidaros Cathedral. Regardless – the tales of the monk in The Nidaros Cathedral live on to this day.
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