More from Norway | A shallow layer of soil

Norwegian forests, thin soil, and one small warning.

An illustration of a windfallen tree in a Norwegian forest, showing the ground beneath its roots. | Sagahuus Press — created with Microsoft 365 Premium Copilot. All rights reserved.

The next time you walk through a Norwegian forest, look beneath the roots of a fallen tree. You may be amazed by the remarkably shallow layer of soil — despite the fact that more than 10,000 years have passed since the latest ice age.

Beware the root, however, as it might fall back and trap you.