On Resonant Ground in Egersund

Singing stones, bell stones, or ringing stones – known by many names, but the phenomenon is the same; if you strike the stones with a smaller stone, they produce a metallic or bell-like sound.

Egersund has several of these ringing stones

According to music archaeologist Gjermund Kolltveit, Egersund probably has the most of these stones in Norway. Here you can find more information about three of the ringing rocks.

Why do some stones make a bell-like sound?

The stones have often been the subject of legends and myths, and scientifically, no satisfactory explanation has been found for why some stones sing. The most common theory is that singing stones consist of a special mineral or a specific collection of minerals. This theory was later disproved because it turns out that the stones consist of many different types of rock. Certain geological conditions are important for stones to produce bell tones: location, shape, size and structure. This is most likely due to geological processes during and after the Ice Age.

The three singing stones in Egersund

The singing stone at Skåra

The singing stone is located on the Skåra farm, three kilometres from the centre of Egersund, and was discovered by chance by a farmer who later moved it slightly uphill for easier access. The stone has no known legends associated with it, but is now shown to tourists by local guides.

The oval stone measures 110 × 155 cm, is 70 centimetres high and has a pointed tip where the sound is strongest. It produces two tones (F# and G#) and lies directly on the rock, which provides good resonance. For more information and a map of the stone, please visit this link.

Directions: Follow Skåraveien to the innermost farm, park by the stable, and walk about 100 metres to the right up a hill.

The singing stone at Orrestadvatnet

The singing stone at Orrestadvatnet is one of the many mysterious natural phenomena in the area. Like other singing stones, it emits clear tones when struck gently – a phenomenon that still lacks a clear scientific explanation.

Throughout history, such stones have given rise to stories and folklore. Tales of enticing sounds, elves and forest people living in the stone have been passed down from generation to generation. Perhaps it is precisely this combination of nature, sound and imagination that makes singing stones so fascinating. For more information and a map of the stone, please visit this link.

The singing stone at Kjervall

The singing stone at Kjervall is one of the area's atmospheric natural phenomena. When the stone is tapped lightly, it emits a clear sound – a peculiarity that still lacks a clear scientific explanation. For more information and a map of the stone, please visit this link.

Please be considerate when visiting the singing stones

Use the designated parking areas, respect private property, keep dogs on a leash, close gates and doors – and leave nature as you found it.

Sources:

• Article in local newspaper Aftenbladet: I fjor kom trollpikken, i år synger steinene rundt Egersund.
• The website klokkesteiner.no presents the complete Norwegian collection of singing stones. The registration is a collaboration between Magma Geopark and music archaeologist Gjermund Kolltveit. The project is supported by the Arts Council Norway and the Norwegian Centre for Folk Music and Folk Dance.
• Egersund Municipality and Magma Geopark