Torghatten[1] is a granite dome on the island of Torget in Brønnøy Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is known for its characteristic hole, or natural tunnel, through its center.[2] It is possible to walk up to the tunnel on a well-prepared path, and through it on a natural path.

Torghatten
View of the mountain
Highest point
Elevation258 m (846 ft)
Prominence258 m (846 ft)
Coordinates65°23′54″N 12°05′23″E / 65.39833°N 12.08972°E / 65.39833; 12.08972
Geography
Map
Interactive map of the mountain
LocationBrønnøy Municipality, Nordland, Norway
Topo map1725 I Brønnøysund

On 6 May 1988, Widerøe Flight 710 from Namsos Airport to Brønnøysund Airport crashed into the side of the mountain, and all 36 passengers and crew died.[3]

Tunnel

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According to legend, the hole was made by the troll Hestmannen while he was chasing the beautiful woman Lekamøya. As the troll realized he would not overtake her, he released an arrow to kill her, but the troll-king of Sømna threw his hat into the arrow's path to save her. The hat turned into the mountain with a hole in the middle.[4]

The tunnel is 160 metres (520 ft) long, 20 metres (66 ft) wide, and 35 metres (115 ft) high. It was formed during the Scandinavian ice age. Ice and water eroded the looser rocks, while the harder ones in the mountain top have resisted erosion.[5]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Informasjon om stadnamn". Norgeskart (in Norwegian). Kartverket. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  2. ^ "Gallery-Norway-Torghatten". Retrieved 4 Aug 2010.
  3. ^ Stene-Johansen, W.; Solheim, T.; Sakshaug, O. (June 1992). "Dental identification after the Dash 7 aircraft accident at Torghatten, Northern Norway, May 6th, 1988". J Forensic Odontostomatol. 10 (1): 15–24. PMID 1429934.
  4. ^ "Nordland's coast is a fairytale of passion, love and rage". NordNorge.com. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  5. ^ "Torghatten, Scenic Attractions". Retrieved 4 Aug 2010.
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