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Femtalities
The Isdal Woman — A 50-Year-Old Mystery
A Victim of Many Names and Yet, No Name At All
The Isdal Woman refers to an unidentified woman who was found dead at Isdalen in Bergen, Norway on November 29, 1970. Her death was originally thought to be a suicide but speculation in the years since the discovery of her remains has led to further investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Isdal Woman’s remains were discovered by a father out hiking with his two daughters in the foothills of Bergen in an area known as Isdalen, which means “Ice Valley.” When one of the children noted an odd burning smell, she ventured toward some nearby rocky debris. She was horrified to find the charred body of a woman behind them. The family quickly departed for the local police station to report what they’d found. An immediate investigation was launched into the matter.
The woman was found lying facing upwards with her hands clenched up by her torso. The front of her body and her clothes were burned beyond recognition. Near the body, partially burned by the fire, were the following: One empty bottle of St. Hallvard liqueur, two plastic water bottles; plastic passport container; rubber boots; wool sweater; scarf; nylon stockings; umbrella; purse; matchbox; watch; pair of earrings; ring.
