General Armfeldt and the soldiers of King Carl XII (Armfeldts Karoliner)
As a result of losing the battle of Poltava in 1709, Sweden not only lost control of vast areas of land in Europe, but also suffered a significant decline in political power. To regain political power the King Carl XII of Sweden, turned to the neighbouring country of Norway. With one army attacking in the south, led by the king himself, and one army led by General Carl Gustav Armfeldt set to invade and annex Trondheim i the north. The swedish King hoped to have Norway in his hand in six weeks. Therefore in the summer of 1718 a large army was gathering in Åredalen.
When the army left Duved in August, it comprised 10 073 soldiers, 7 000 horses and 3 300 beef cattle. The campaign ended in disaster. During the march back to Sweden a dreadful snowstorm broke out during the New Year of 1718-1719, leaving 3 000 soldiers dead in the mountains between Tydal, Norway and Handöl, Sweden.
The history of the Armfeldt campaign is full of adventures, unsolved riddles as well as tragedies.
There were few battles but much suffering for both sides involved in the war. You can get to know the history of the campaign at close quarters by following in the footsteps of the soldiers of Carl XII. The route is sign-posted, there are campaign centres, exhibitions, dramatisations, reconstruction of buildings, and events involving expert guides.
Following the map you can put together your own trail by foot, car, bicycle, bus and train.

The history of Armfeldts karoliner