The urn with Thor Heyerdahl's ashes was transported from Italy to the explorer's homeland

A monument will be erected at the burial site of the world-famous scientist

The Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl from Larvik became famous throughout the world thanks to his numerous expeditions. He died in 2002 in Italy, but his grave will only be moved to Norway in 2024.

Photo: Global Look Press

Thur Heyerdahl, famous for his voyage to Kon-Tiki, will be buried in Norway. Heyerdahl died in 2002 and was initially buried at his family's Italian estate in Colla Micheri.

“The relocation of the grave was the result of cooperation between the family and local enthusiasts in Larvik,” — said the former mayor of Larvik, Øyvind Riise Jenssen, and noted that this would be of great importance for the identity of the city.

Heyerdahl's eldest son, Thor Heyerdahl Jr., expressed gratitude that the population of Larvik wants to see his father at home. Heyerdahl's daughter Marian believes that tourists will be able to find her father's grave in the church in Larvik.

In close collaboration with the family, enthusiasts worked to bury Heyerdahl in the city where he was born. This will become possible at the end of June 2024. The urn will be transported from Italy to a new burial place in the Larvik church, where the adventurer was also baptized at one time. Until now, the researcher's family had been caring for the grave in Italy, but for various reasons this became more difficult. And they agreed that the best solution would be a grave in Heyerdahl's homeland, in close proximity to his childhood home.

The building is now a museum.

Heyerdahl had an interesting life, in which there was a lot different projects. Jenssen believes this says a lot about Larvik's personality.

«People will pave the way to the burial site and memorial stone. It will be very important for us that he returns home,” — said the former mayor.

Heyerdahl is known throughout the world. Many know him as the explorer who crossed the Pacific Ocean on the ship Kon-Tiki. The purpose of the expedition was to prove that the people in Polynesia came from the American continent and not from Southeast Asia. He also sailed across the Atlantic. Moreover, he led excavations in the Galapagos and Easter Island and wrote several books.