Marine archaeologists have uncovered a striking piece of Norway’s past on the seabed off Øygarden, near Bergen—a large, carefully constructed stone formation believed to be around 1,000 years old and likely used as a whale trap. The find offers rare, tangible evidence of organised whaling practices that until now have largely been known only through historical accounts.
The structure consists of a long band of stones, stretching more than 25 metres across the seabed. It was recorded during a series of dives in January, when unusually clear winter waters gave researchers exceptional visibility across the strait. What initially appeared to be a natural feature soon revealed itself as something far more deliberate.
According to Elling Utvik Wammer of the Norwegian Maritime Museum, this is the first confirmed physical example of this type of whale-hunting installation. While written sources have long described such methods, direct archaeological proof has been missing.
Researchers believe the stone formation once formed the base of a larger trapping system made from wooden barriers and ropes. These would have guided whales—most likely minke whales—into a confined area where they could be more easily hunted. Historical descriptions suggest the animals were targeted with crossbows and specialised arrows, possibly treated to weaken them over time, before being dragged ashore once exhausted.
The scale and effort behind the construction point to a highly organised operation, highlighting the importance of whaling in medieval coastal communities. Whale products, including meat and bone, were vital resources and were typically distributed according to strict social rules within local settlements.
Alongside the main structure, the team also discovered a circular stone mound measuring approximately 15 metres in diameter. This feature is thought to be much later, possibly linked to an unsuccessful attempt in the 18th century to alter or block the strait.
To document the site, researchers used photogrammetry, capturing hundreds of images with GoPro cameras to create detailed 3D models. These are now being analysed to better understand how the trap functioned.
Further investigations are planned for June, with a full scientific report expected later this year.
Header Image Credit : Anders Schouw / IRMAS
Sources : IRMAS