Rock carvings
0
We’re now passing the mouth of the Vefsnfjord, which winds its way deep inland toward the town of Mosjøen. Looking toward the mainland, you can spot Rødøya to the north—home to a unique prehistoric site: the rock carvings at Valen, a remarkable trace of the past. This ancient artwork is especially famous for its depictions of humans in motion. One figure has even been interpreted as a skier and was used as inspiration for the pictogram at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics in 1994. The carvings were etched directly into the rock over 4,000 years ago, showing how people in the Stone Age lived in harmony with nature—hunting, moving, and interacting with animals and the landscape. These petroglyphs are part of a long tradition of rock art in Northern Norway, often found along the coast near key hunting areas. Today, the site at Rødøya is a cultural heritage monument of national importance. It offers not only a glimpse into prehistory but also a timeless connection to human movement, survival, and community.