 Many witch trials were held here during the 17th century, the biggest in 1621, in 1652–1653 and in 1662–1663.About 140 witch trials were held in Finnmark in the 17th century between 1601 and 1692 in what is sometimes considered as the worst persecution in times of peace in Norway according to Rune Hagen.90 persons were condemned to death sentences in these trials.