City: Western Norway
Top Things to do in Western Norway
Top Hotels in Western Norway
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The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Western Norway, Norway
Western Norway (Norwegian: Vestlandet, Vest-Norge, Vest-Noreg) is the region along the Atlantic coast of southern Norway. It consists of the counties Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane, and Møre og Romsdal. The region has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The largest city is Bergen and the second-largest is Stavanger. Historically the regions of Agder, Vest-Telemark, Hallingdal, Valdres and northern parts of Gudbrandsdal have been included in Western Norway.
Restaurants in Western Norway
1. Volda kyrkje
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Urnes Stave Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Norway's oldest stave church (1130) and part of UNESCO's world heritage list since 1979. We are open from 2nd May to 30th September every year (exept 17th May, which is the Norwegian Constitution Day).
Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, United States
Urnes is possibly the oldest and most outstanding representative of the stave churches. The church expresses in wood how structures of Romanesque architecture were designed. By the use of cylindrical columns with cubic capitals and semi-circular arches. The wood carving and sculpted decor of excellent quality on the outside includes strap-work panels and elements of Viking tradition from the 11th century which constitute the origin of the "Urnes style” also found in other parts of Scandinavia and North-Western Europe. The carvings on the northern wall are a decoration of interlaced, fighting animals. Similar carvings cover the western gable triangle of the nave and the eastern gable of the choir. The carvings are important both as outstanding artistic artifacts, and as a link between the pre-Christian Nordic culture and the Christianity of the medieval ages. Many of the Viking styled carvings originated from the the Celts in Ireland. The Urnes Stave Church has been sort of renovated over the centuries where they cut and repaired portions of the interior. One of the large main columns inside had been cut off to create a private area for the pastor. The result was that the church started to lean a bit. They then had to add squared timbers inside to stabilize the structure but it still leans a bit. It is well worthwhile to take the tour which allows you to go inside as well as learning about the transitions and changes made and the meanings of the carvings. To get to this church requires greater effort as it is not just on the side of a highway like many other stave churches. One could certainly drive from Skjolden the 30+ km but beware it is a rough road. The alternative is to go to Solvorn and take the ferry across to Ornes, then walk up the hill maybe 3/4 mile to the church. I do not advise taking a car on the ferry if you are just going to visit the church. Parking is limited at Ornes and you will have to walk a portion of it anyway. All vehicles have to be backed onto the ferry and it only holds eight. There is also a visitor center across from the church with a gift shop and more historical exhibits.
3. Sunnfjord Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The open air museum shows day-to-day life of farmer and tenant families in Sunnfjord in the middle of the 1800’s. The houses showcase a variety of building techniques and traditions from the 16th through the 19th century. We offer guiding, changing exhibits, events, and educational programs for children. The place has beautiful and quiet surroundings with a herb garden and cultural paths.
4. Hagevik Tondefabrikk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
5. Varden Utsiktspunkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By michaelnY5756LF - Tel Aviv, Israel
We arrived to Kristiansund in the early evening and stopped here on the way to our hotel - 5 minutes away. You park the car in the street and go up a path - a few hundred meters to the top of the hill. The small Varden tower looks like a small lighthouse. You go up 2 short flight of steps and get a great view of all Kristiansund (built on 3 islands) and the ocean. It's free and well worth the visit if in the city.
6. Hallestads Kyrka
7. The Norwegian Fisheries Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 204 reviews
The Norwegian Fisheries Museum is about the fishing history and coastal culture of Norway. The old wharf side warehouses and the harbour with traditional boats makes a great setting for our stories about fishing traditions in Norway. Explore the history of the sea by immersing yourself in interesting artefacts and stories, or engage the whole family in a multitude of new activities. The cafe serve lunches. The historic seaside houses provide a casual and homely atmosphere, inside and outside. Museum shop. We offer Exhibitions Group packages, School packages, Conference facilities. Rowboat rental Getting there The historic ferry "Beffen" leaves every hour from Bryggen between 11 am and 4 pm, only weekends in May, all days in June, July, August and September. The museum is a 20-minute walk from Bryggen, or less than 15 minutes from the cruise ship terminal at Bontelabo. A 5-minute bus-ride from Bryggen, numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 36, 39, 83 go past the museum.
Reviewed By Kato122 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Excellent displays and wonderful 15 minute film of 3 generations of fishermen talking about the industry then and now. Very interactive and great for children and adults. Lovely shop and cafe nearby has quay side seating as well as a charming interior cafe. Lovely freshly made light lunches. The restored museum building also is remarkable!
8. Haugesund Town Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Haugesund Town Hall was a gift from shipowner Knut Knutsen OAS and his wife Elisabeth. The town hall was designed by architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas and was officially opened in 1931. The park was opened in 1949. The town hall is one of the most famous buildings in the country and contains a wealth of artistic decorations. The building and its surrounding areas have been preserved. In the book Norges kunsthistorie, (The History of Norwegian Art) Leif ostby describes the town hall in connection with the classical trend among architects in the 1920s: One of the movement's most important works is Haugesund Town Hall - with its magnificent, outstandingly striking corner section embellished with double pillars.
9. Skagenkaien
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By pederthess - Landstuhl, Germany
If you have ever been in Skagen Denmark, then you will really understand why its called Skagenkaien. Tight historical links between Norway and Denmark, really is portrayed here. Romantic and historical old wooden buildings, as seen almost anywhere in Norway, just so charming. If you do have time left to spend, a cosy lunch, afternoon with coffee or a cold beer is well spent. You will have the harbour area as a scene, cruise ships, yachts and just a life in Stavanger to enjoy.
10. Lyse Abbey
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