Lodalen Loen Live Cam

History

Lodalen, located in the Nordfjord region of western Norway, is a valley renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and a history marked by natural catastrophes. Its origins trace back to the geological forces that shaped Norway’s fjords, valleys, and mountains during the Ice Age, as massive glaciers carved through the terrain, leaving behind the dramatic scenery visible today. The valley is part of a region steeped in both natural and cultural history, attracting geologists, historians, and travelers alike.

The history of Lodalen is inseparable from the two catastrophic tsunamis caused by rockslides into the adjacent Lake Loen, also known as Lovatnet. The first disaster occurred in 1905 when a large section of the mountain Ramnefjell broke loose and plunged into the lake, creating waves as high as 40 meters (131 feet). The massive tsunami devastated nearby settlements, claiming 61 lives. Tragically, the valley was struck again in 1936 by another rockslide from Ramnefjell, resulting in waves up to 74 meters (243 feet) and killing 74 people. These events were caused by the unstable geological conditions in the area, where steep mountain slopes and water erosion create a high risk of landslides.