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Background: For almost three decades returning to the scene of the catastrophe has been part of a collective practice in Norway for bereaved families after large-scale accidents and disasters. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine bereaved family members’ experiences of visiting Utøya Island after the July 22nd 2011 terror attack. Method: Approximately 2 ½ years after the terror attack 83 parents and 37 siblings answered a self-report questionnaire whether they had visited Utøya since the terror attack, and whether they found the visit beneficial and/or a burden. They were also asked to write a short description of what they found beneficial and/or burdensome with the visit. Results: Almost all parents (95 %) and siblings (100 %) had visited Utøya after the terror attack. Nearly two thirds of the parents and siblings reported that visiting the site of death had been both beneficial and a burden, and one third reported that it had been beneficial only. Most beneficial with the visit were an existential/emotional need to see the site, and increased cognitive clarity about what had happened. Some reported that visiting the site had reduced ruminations and misinterpretations about the circumstances of the death. Most burdensome with the visit was an activation of trauma and grief reactions. Implications: Our findings suggest that visiting the site of death can be recommended for bereaved families after disasters and terror. Although a visit to the site of death can be stressful, it is our conclusion that the benefits outweigh the burdens. Such visits can be particularly important for persons who struggle with complicated grief reactions such as avoidance of the reality of the death, and/or maladaptive grief-related ruminations. Adequate preparations are necessary before visits are conducted.

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