St. Olavs spring in Sul

The Olav’s Spring (or Olavskilden) in Sul, located approximately 500 meters from the main road, has a fascinating history associated with Olav Haraldsson, also known as St. Olav.

According to legend, Olav rested at the Sul farm during his military campaign towards Norway in 1030, which ultimately culminated in the Battle of Stiklestad. At this spring, Olav is said to have drunk water, while the soldiers trampled the nearby cornfield. Snorre, the chronicler, recounts that the farmer Torgeir Flekk complained about the damage. Olav rode around the field and told the farmer: “I believe, farmer, that God will mend this harm, and the field will be better in a week.” Remarkably, it happened just as Olav had predicted. A nearly four-meter-high monument stands at Olav’s Spring, bearing the same inscription11.

Although Snorre does not specifically mention the spring, tradition holds that the trampled field lay north of the spring. Olav is said to have drawn water from this source, and it is believed that the water possesses healing and auspicious properties.

Even today, many still collect baptismal water from Olav’s Spring for their children. The major industrial company Kværner Verdal has even christened its installations with water from this spring before shipping them out.

In 2007, during the inauguration of a new Olav Chapel in Covarrubas, Spain, water from Olav’s Spring in Sul was used. Interestingly, this is the city where the Norwegian-born princess Kristina Håkonsdatter (circa 1262) is buried.

The commemorative stone at Olav’s Spring was erected and unveiled on Olsok Day, July 29, 1954.

What is an Olav’s Spring? 
Olav’s Springs are a collection of wells, natural springs, and water sources associated with miracles and events related to St.Olav in Norway. These sources were considered sacred and blessed due to their connection to Olav’s travels and deeds.

People made pilgrimages to Olav’s Springs seeking healing and blessings, believing in the legendary properties of the water attributed to Olav’s sanctity.

These springs represent an important aspect of the religious and cultural heritage associated with Olav the Holy and his significance in Norwegian history and folk tradition.

Source: Den Digitale Olavskilden