Thomas Fearnley: Old Birch Tree at the Sognefjord (1839)

A Norwegian landscape poster featuring Thomas Fearnley’s Old Birch Tree at the Sognefjord from 1839. The monumental birch rises above two small figures and the fjord landscape, transformed into a powerful symbol of Norwegian nature and history.

Printed locally on heavyweight matte paper, as close to you as possible. Typical delivery time: 2–5 business days.

• Norwegian National Romantic landscape by Thomas Fearnley
• Painted at Slinde beside the Sognefjord in 1839
• A historic sacred birch on the burial mound Hydneshaugen
• Rich colour, dramatic scale and fine natural detail
• Printed on 200 gsm premium matte paper
• Available in five sizes
• Frame not included

The ancient birch at Slinde

Fearnley places the old birch high above the Sognefjord landscape. Its pale trunk twists upward through a crown of glowing leaves, while two figures seen from behind pause at the foot of the tree. The people appear small beside the birch, strengthening its sense of age and monumentality.

The tree stood on Hydneshaugen, an ancient burial mound at Indre Slinde in Sogn. According to Store norske leksikon, it measured about 18.8 metres in height and 5.6 metres around the trunk.

A sacred tree beside the Sognefjord

Local tradition treated the Slinde birch as sacred. The owners of the farm poured a jug of beer over its roots every Christmas Eve, and neither axe nor knife was allowed to touch it. The tree was finally blown down in a storm in 1874.

Artists including Johannes Flintoe, J.C. Dahl and Thomas Fearnley depicted the famous birch. Fearnley’s version became one of the principal works of Norwegian National Romanticism.

“On the Sognefjord, on Slindre Farm, is where one finds the proudest birch.”

Norwegian nature as a national symbol

Fearnley enlarged both the tree and the burial mound, giving the familiar landscape a heroic scale. The birch becomes a link between living nature, local folklore and the country’s distant past.

The motif was painted at a time when Norwegian artists were searching for landscapes that could express a distinct national identity. Here, the weathered tree carries that idea without losing the close observation of bark, branches and foliage.

Glowing colour and quiet observers

Warm yellow and green leaves stand against a deep blue sky, while the distant fjord and mountains open the composition behind the tree. The two quiet observers invite the viewer into the scene and underline the birch’s immense scale.

The National Museum connects these figures and the elevated mood of the landscape with the influence of Caspar David Friedrich, whose work Fearnley encountered during a visit to Dresden in 1838.

Fearnley’s final Norwegian study journey

In 1839, Fearnley made his last major study journey through Norway in the company of Andreas Achenbach and Christian Breslauer. Old Birch Tree at the Sognefjord was created during this period and brings together direct study of nature with the ideas of National Romanticism.

About Thomas Fearnley

Thomas Fearnley was born in Halden in 1802 and became one of Norway’s leading landscape painters. He studied in Christiania, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Dresden and travelled widely across Europe.

His paintings combine close observation with dramatic light and carefully constructed scenery. Explore another mountain landscape in Landscape with a Wanderer.

Artwork details

Available sizes

A historic Norwegian landscape for your home

The luminous foliage, blue fjord and powerful tree create a distinctive focal point in a living room, study or hallway. The print works especially well with wood, wool and calm neutral colours.

Discover more landscapes in our Norwegian art collection.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the Slinde birch stand?

It stood on the ancient burial mound Hydneshaugen at Indre Slinde beside the Sognefjord in Norway.

Why was the tree considered sacred?

Local tradition protected the tree from axes and knives, and the farm owners poured beer over its roots each Christmas Eve.

When was the painting created?

Thomas Fearnley painted the work in 1839 during his final major study journey through Norway.

Where is the original painting?

The original belongs to The National Museum in Oslo and has inventory number NG.M.00363.

What paper is the poster printed on?

It is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm quality paper with a matte, non-reflective surface.

Is a frame included?

No. The frame is not included, so you can choose one that suits the print and your interior.