In short:
- The Frostating was one of four great law assemblies in Norway in the Middle Ages.
- According to the sagas, the Frostating Law was written down under Haakon the Good in the 10th century.
- Tinghaugen lies at Logtun and has a memorial stone from 1914.
Long before the Norwegian Parliament existed, farmers from all over Trøndelag and the neighbouring regions met on Frosta to make laws and judge cases. The Frostating was one of Norway's four great law assemblies, together with the Gulating, Borgarting and Eidsivating.
The Frostating Law
According to the sagas, the Frostating Law was compiled in the time of Haakon the Good, around the middle of the 10th century. The laws we know today are preserved in later manuscripts, and the law applied until Magnus the Lawmender's national law came in 1274. The assembly was held in summer.
Tinghaugen today
At Tinghaugen by Logtun stands a memorial stone raised by the local people in 1914, surrounded by memorial stones for the regions that belonged to the assembly. The site lies along St. Olav's Way, so you often meet pilgrims here in summer. Close by is Logtun church, a medieval stone church.
From Frosta to Stiklestad
The Frostating belongs to the same story as the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 and Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Read more in In the footsteps of Olav the Holy.
How to experience Tinghaugen
You can visit Tinghaugen on your own, but the stories come alive best with a guide. On the tour Frosta: Viking Laws, Churches & Monasteries we start at Tinghaugen and continue to Logtun church, the monastery ruins and Mariaklosteret on Tautra. The tour lasts about two hours and runs from May to September.
Experience the Viking Age assembly site with a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Frostating?
A law assembly in the Middle Ages where representatives from Trøndelag and the neighbouring regions met to adopt laws and settle cases.
Where is Tinghaugen?
At Logtun on Frosta, near Logtun church.
Is Tinghaugen free to visit?
Yes, the site is open. A guided tour can be booked with Havbris.