Bälgen

Bølgen is a dramatic event that occurred in the village of Loen in Norway on April 22, 1936. A large rockslide from the mountain Åkerneset sent an immense volume of rock and debris crashing into the Innvikfjorden. The impact created a massive water wave, or tsunami, that surged towards the village of Loen on the opposite shore.

The wave was reported to be over 70 meters high as it struck the western side of the fjord. It swept through Loen, destroying farms, houses, and other structures. The force of the water was so great that it carried debris inland for several kilometers. Tragically, 74 people lost their lives in the disaster. The event also caused significant damage to the natural landscape.

The 1936 Loen event is one of the most devastating rockslide-induced tsunamis in Norwegian history. It highlights the potential hazards associated with steep mountainsides near fjords. Geological monitoring of areas prone to similar events, like Åkerneset itself, is now a critical part of disaster preparedness in Norway. The memory of "Bølgen" serves as a stark reminder of the power of natural forces.