Inga of Varteig

[1] Inga, from Varteig in Østfold, maintained a relationship with King Haakon III who visited nearby in Borg (now Sarpsborg) during late 1203.

His reign had been marked by competition between the Bagler and Birkebeiner factions for control of Norway during a period of civil war.

Inga's claim was supported by several of King Haakon's Birkebeiner followers.

Consequently, a group of Birkebeiner loyalists fled with Inga and her son from Lillehammer in eastern Norway over the mountains during the mid-winter 1205–06.

The cross-country skiing trip continued north through Østerdalen to Trøndelag, where they came under the protection of King Inge.