The Tafjord Disaster
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On the night of April 7th, 1934, a massive rockslide thundered down the mountain Langhamaren, crashing straight into the fjord by the beautiful village of Tafjord, at the very end of the fjord we’re driving along now. The impact triggered a gigantic tsunami — taller than most houses, reaching up to 62 meters high — that swept over the villages of Tafjord and Fjørå. In just a few seconds, 40 people lost their lives, and many homes were washed away into the sea. The catastrophe shook the entire nation, but it also led to improved emergency preparedness and pioneering research on mountain slides and fjord waves. Today, Tafjord stands as a symbol of resilience — a village that rebuilt itself and learned to live in harmony with the same forces of nature that once brought devastation. It is now known for its hydropower production and ongoing research on natural hazards — proof that even from tragedy, strength can grow.