The Scream Route: Following Norway's Most Infamous Crime
Tracing the path where 17-year-old Birgitte Tengs met her death in 1995
Quick Facts
On a path near her home in Karmøy, close to Stavanger in western Norway, the life of 17-year-old Birgitte Tengs was brutally cut short in 1995. Found strangled and asphyxiated, her death would become one of the most infamous unsolved cases in Norwegian criminal history.
The location where Tengs was discovered has since become known locally as the "Scream Route" (Scream-ruten)—a haunting name that reflects both the violence of the crime and its profound impact on the tight-knit community. For those familiar with the case, the rural path stands as a stark reminder of an investigation that has long remained unsolved, making it a point of dark fascination for true crime enthusiasts and Norwegians alike.
Stavanger, the nearest major city to Karmøy, is otherwise known as a vibrant coastal destination in Norway's Rogaland region. The juxtaposition of this picturesque setting with such a serious crime underscores how tragedy can strike anywhere, regardless of geography or community character.
The Scream Route has developed a peculiar status in Norwegian true crime culture. For some, it represents an unsolved injustice; for others, it serves as a sobering landmark. The case itself has drawn considerable attention both within Norway and internationally, becoming a focal point for discussions about cold cases and the passage of time in criminal investigations.
The circumstances surrounding Tengs's death—a young woman strangled in what should have been a safe, familiar area near her home—resonated deeply with the Norwegian public. Her case remains a stark example of how violent crime can leave lasting scars on communities, even decades after the tragedy occurs.
For visitors to the Stavanger region and those interested in Norwegian true crime, the Scream Route represents more than just a geographic location. It embodies the enduring questions and unresolved pain associated with unsolved murders, and serves as a potent reminder of the case that continues to intrigue investigators and the public alike.
