The Battle of Niså

The Battle of Niså which took place on 9 August 1062 was a naval battle fought between the armies of Harald Hardrada, King of Norway and Sweyn II king of Denmark. Harald had laid claim to the throne of Denmark since 1042, and had launched raids into Danish territory ever since.

Harald’s invasion of 1042 was intended to be decisive, finally conquering Denmark. Although the Norwegians won the battle, many of the Danish ships and men, including Sweyn himself, managed to escape.

Denmark’s economy had been badly damaged by the continual raiding, but Norway had also suffered. After the Battle of Niså, Harald offered Sweyn unconditional peace without reparations or loss of land.