Rikulvhella

From Kalhovd, the road continues to Lake Mårvatn. By following a path along the eastern bank of Mårvatn for about 20 minutes, visitors reach a natural cave or rock shelter on Hardangervidda. It is formed of three large rocks propping each other up and forming a shelter. People have lived here since the Stone Age and in the surrounding area there are many traces of their occupation. Here too lived the outlaw Rikulv. Rikulv lived in the Middle Ages and was outlawed after killing one of the wealthy farmers in the valley in a dispute over fishing rights in Lake Mårvatn. Rikulv had several caves he used to hide in and the stone slab at Mårvatn was one of these. It was here too that he was captured, later being beheaded nearby. Rikulvs stone can shelter up to 20 people and is a fine place to take a break or have a barbecue. Rikulv also had another cave. This is situated southeast of Kalhovd on a rock-strewn slope. The cave entrance is between some rocks on the scree and it penetrates deep into the mountain. You can descend into several rock chambers and it is said that when Rikulv fled into this rock-slide it was impossible to find him again.