Things to do in Fjord Norway, Fjord Norway: The Best Churches & Cathedrals

Liabygda Church is a wooden, single-nave church, constructed in 1917, seating 165. The architect was Henry Bucher, Oslo, and the builder was Tore Overa. Student of Theology Lars Lied was actively engaged in decorating the church, with chandeliers from Paris and Berlin and lamps from Lyon and Brussels. The interior and the canopy altar had an eastern influence. The church was restored in 1989-90, and amongst other new features was an extension at the main entrance (in part across the full width if the nave) for toilets and a new stairway to the spire, bier room and washroom for in the cellar for the gravediggers. The architect was Spjelkavik Architect Office. (Source: Kyrkjene i More, Kulturnett).

In Stodle, as at Grindheim, we are able to observe the connection between the church, cemetery and a pre-Christian burial ground. The long church was the Viking chieftain Erling Skakke's private chapel from about 1160. The stone section was built in Romanesque style, and the timbered nave was extended around 1650. An altarpiece and a crucifix from 1636 can also be found here. The baroque pulpit dates from about 1600 and the two church bells from the Middle Ages. In front of the church is a burial mound and stone monument. On the edge of the large Stodle terrace, with its magnificent view over Etne parish and the fjord, about 15 burial mounds remain today. These were erected for the people of Stodle farm, and excavated finds bear witness to continuous habitation from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, a period lasting some 2000 years. Helgaberget (Holy Rock) at Stodle is covered with rock carvings. Information board. Ample parking. Open Sundays: 19.00-13.00. For guided tours, please contact Church office, tel. 53 77 11 70.

In the middle of the island, protected by houses and on the island's highest point, you will find the little red stave church, standing as it has stood since appr year 1300. It has ever since been a meeting point in happy times and also in sad times. The altarpiece was donated by the Netherlands princess Elisabeth in gratitude for her rescue at sea by Norwegian sailors during a violent storm in 1515. The wall paintings date back to appr 1620.

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).

Borgund Church is situated in the old trading community Borgundkaupangen, and is partially built on the remains of the old St. Peter's Church from the 12th century. Most parts of today's church are from 1904, with lovely carvings by Nicolai Mejdel og Hans Johannessen. Borgund Church can seat 650 people. The church was reconstructed after a fire in 1904, but they chose to keep the roman style. Parts of the church originate from the St. Peter's Church, which was built in the 12th century. There was several extentions made between 1632 -1868. Notice the beautiful carved interior, made by Nicolai Mejdel and HansJohannessen, Lars Kinsarvik, Lerdal, Johansen and Johannes Rykken. Study the stone altar from the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, the trading community in Borgundkaupangen had three churches, and hidden under the ground on the way to Borgund Animal Club, lies the remains of a marble church, Kirstkyrkja. This has probably been a cathedral. Several burial mounds from the Middle Ages have also been discovered in the area around Katevagen. When arranged visits at Borgund church are requested, please contact the church office in advance to make an appointment. This in order to avoid funerals, weddings etc.

The old church of Gaupne is a beautiful example of old Lutheran style with its ornamented bench sides, tendril paintings on the walls, catechism tablet from 1589 and pulpit.

A medieval Monastery in beautiful surroundings. Guided tours are given in norwegian and english upon request. Inside the main building there is a small cafe where you can buy cakes, coffee and various pastries.

This early 12-century church is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture.