St. Olav’s Leap
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If you look up toward the hillside, you can just make out St. Olav’s Leap — a steep rocky ledge that drops dramatically toward the fjord. Its name carries one of the many legends tied to Olav the Holy. According to tradition, Olav Haraldsson — later canonized as St. Olav — was once pursued through this rugged landscape by his enemies. When he reached the edge of the cliff, rather than surrender, he leapt. Miraculously, he survived the fall. Some say you can still see the marks from his landing etched into the rock. Whether fact or folklore, the story reflects how Olav quickly became surrounded by myths and miracles after his death. Olav was not only a king and warrior, but also became the very symbol of Norway’s Christianization. After falling in battle in 1030, he was declared a saint just a year later in 1031. Places like St. Olav’s Leap became spiritual landmarks along the pilgrimage routes leading to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.