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

The chapel in Brydalen was consecrated in 1884. Previously, the school had been used for reading the scriptures. A grave yard for the people living in Brydalen was established in 1871. To build a church was quite a feat for the 20 people living in this small village. There was very little money. However there was a tremendous work effort among them. Ole Buhaugen from Tynset was the builder while Kluver, from Denmark was responsible for the paintwork. An organ was also acquired. Throughout the years, the church has been rebuilt and restored several times. Perhaps most of all, the chapel shows a tremendous spirit of self-sacrifice in a small community which gives visitors something to think about! For a guided tour, contact Inger Lise Naess, telephone: 95233624.

If you are interested to see one of the finest altarpieces in the country and a church richly decorated, then you must visit the church at Kvikne. This cross-shaped church was built between 1652-1654 and it was restored between 1738-1739. The present church was probably built on the same site as the previous stave church. The stave church was too small in the period of prosperity of the copper mine, which prevented people moving away and made farming more profitable. The copper mining company donated timber to the church while local people did most of the building work. Jorgen Snekker is believed to have made the pulpit, while the altarpiece was probably made by Johan Bildsnider from Trondheim. The large painting on the alter is believed to have been painted by Johan Kontrafeier. The church is open for guided tours in July.

When the famous Norwegian writer, Bjornstjerne Bjornson drove through Tynset, he heard the bells ringing from the church tower and this inspired him to write one of his most well-known psalms. Few churches have such a beautiful situation as the church at Tynset which can be viewed from all sides. The view from the hill on which the church is situated is excellent and certainly worth a visit. The road leading up to the church is called Vedalen. The name indicates that this has been place of heathen worship and rituals a long time ago. The church was consecrated in 1795, just three years after previous church burnt down. The first churches in Tynset were situated further up the slope, above the present day church. Here the first church that we know about was consecrated in1211. Today, there is a memorial stone placed on the site of this church.