Melting snow in Norway may uncover hidden ancient treasures

This summer in Norway has been exceptionally dry and warm, melting the snow in the Møre og Romsdal region. As a result, researchers are advising hikers to stay alert. They believe the melting snowdrifts may reveal true treasures hidden beneath the snow, similar to what happened a decade ago.

As the portal sciencenorway.no reminds us, in 2014, the summer in Norway was exceptionally dry and warm. The melting snow in the mountains of the Møre og Romsdal region in the western part of the country revealed many ancient artifacts, and scientists frequently received reports of new discoveries.

According to researchers, a similar situation could occur this year, as the summer has brought similar conditions, and there is little snow in the mountains. Therefore, archaeologists have appealed to hikers to look around and pay particular attention to what emerges from the melting snowdrifts. There might be real treasures there.

Pay special attention to melting snowdrifts and areas known for hunting and trapping sites – archaeologists Guro Dehli Sanden and Kristoffer Dahle, quoted by sciencenorway.no, advised.

Ongoing climate changes have made fascinating discoveries increasingly common. A decade ago, while studying the melting snow cover on Digervarden mountain in southern Norway, researchers found a wooden ski from before the Viking Age. Interestingly, it was almost undamaged (source: focus.pl).

The Norwegian portal also recalls that among the finds were an ancient wooden shovel dated to the period between 160 and 350 AD, as well as "scare sticks" which moved in the wind and emitted loud sounds. They were used by ancient hunters.

There are many more similar examples. Swords from the Viking Age, arrowheads, wooden rattles, and archaic leather shoes have also been found.

According to the researchers, anyone who comes across an interesting object that might be of historical significance should take a photo of the find spot and record the GPS coordinates.

If you find artefacts that are damp, it’s important to prevent them from drying out. Store them in a cool place, like a fridge or cellar, archeologists quoted by sciencenorway.no, recommend.