R. D. HOLMSTEDT
EXPEDITION 1
SCANDINAVIA
SOME CIVILIZATIONS VANISHED.
OTHERS WERE DELIBERATELY ERASED.
For thousands of years the mountains, forests and fjords of Scandinavia have hidden stories beneath their soil.
This expedition explores forgotten civilizations, Norse mythology and archaeological mysteries that inspired
The Runes of the North Trilogy.
EXPLORE SCANDINAVIA
Ancient lands. Hidden sites. Lost histories.
Click a location on the map to uncover the real-world places and legends that inspired the expedition.
ANCIENT SITE
CITIES
RUNE STONES
MYTH & LEGENDS
Norway's most important medieval cathedral, built over the shrine of Saint Olav. For nearly a thousand years, its Gothic halls have guarded centuries of history, relics, and enduring legend.
Known as the "Home of the Giants," Jotunheimen is Norway's most iconic mountain wilderness, where dramatic peaks and ancient myths continue to shape the Scandinavian landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tanum Rock Carvings feature thousands of Bronze Age engravings depicting ships, warriors, animals, and rituals, revealing the lives and beliefs of early Scandinavian societies.
One of Scandinavia's earliest Viking towns, Birka was a thriving centre of trade and craftsmanship. Today, its archaeological remains offer a unique glimpse into Viking society and daily life.
THE RUNES OF THE NORTH TRILOGY
Three books. One buried truth.
Book I
THE PATTERN
An ancient order has kept the Pattern buried for centuries. Now , it begins to break.
Book II
THE BLACK EDDA
YGGDRASIL PROTOCOL
Book III
Old Gods stir. Secrets surface. The Pattern demands more than anyone imagined.
The final key. The deepest truth. The future of the Pattern itself.
JOURNAL
MEET THE CHARACTERS
COMING SOON
RESEARCH
Explore ancient maps, drawings and expedition notes
Learn about the ancient sites of Scandinavia
Decipher the symbols and their forgotten meaning or create your own
Explore the world of Norse mythology, the Gods and folklore
R. D. HOLMSTEDT
Archaeological thrillers.
Ancient mysteries.
Stories that linger.
EXPEDITIONS
Scandinavia
(The Runes of the North Trilogy)
Asia
(Coming in the Future)
The Americas
(Coming in the Future)
Mythology
Archaeology
History
Behind the Story
My Story
Writing Process
Inspiration
Get in Touch