Kulisteinen

We’re now passing one of the most historically significant places in all of Norway. Just to the west, behind the island of Edøya, lies the small island of Kuli. Over a thousand years ago, a stone was raised there—now known as the Kuli Stone, often called “Norway’s baptismal certificate.” Why? Because this stone contains the first known use of the name “Norway” on Norwegian soil. It also marks one of the earliest references to the arrival of Christianity in the country. One side of the stone features a carved cross. On the two narrow sides are runic inscriptions, including these words: “Tore and Halvard raised this stone after Ulfljot. Christianity had been in Norway for twelve winters.” The stone was long believed to date from around the year 1034, but recent research suggests it may be even older. In 2012, the Kuli Stone was added to Norway’s official documentary heritage, part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World program. That recognition confirms its status as one of the most important written records in Norwegian history. The original is now housed in the medieval exhibition at the NTNU University Museum in Trondheim, but a faithful replica stands on Kuli—right where the original likely stood.