Skeifeltet

The Skei field in Sparbu is believed to be North Trøndelag's larges burial ground, dating from approx 800 AD. Homesteads, a so-called round yard, burials and large burial mounds signify largely the remains of a chieftain environment.

Around the junction at Hovden in Sparbu is a burial site containing nearly 120 graves. Remains of military housing have also been found. Cooking pits suggest a large household. The discoveries are from about 800 - 1000 AD.

Most striking are the large star-shaped burial mounds, with arms up to 20 metres in lenght. These are believed to be from the Merovingian Age (500 - 800 AD). There are also several long mounds, which were often women's graves, and round mounds. The three largest round mounds are respectively 17, 18 and 20 metres, and looms in the south eastern end of the field.

In a smaller, long  mound closest to the road, a woman's grave with rich grave goods have been found. This mound didn't seem very impressive at firs glance, but it turned out to contain a very richly endowed woman's grave. The grave is dated to about 800 AD - Early Viking Age.

Directions:
From E6, take the exit to FV258 toward Heistad by Mære, 11 km south of Steinkjer. The burial ground is located on the hillside at Heistad in Sparbu, about 3 km east of E6 and about 200 m south of the farmyard at Hovden. Parking just north of the burial ground, on the left when coming from north.