Top Things to do in Sogn og Fjordane
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What to do and see in Sogn og Fjordane, Western Norway: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Rich in mountains, islands, glaciers, farmlands and fjords, Sogn og Fjordane is best known for Sognefjord, the longest in Norway and the second-longest in the world. One of its arms, Nærøyfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the 12th-century Urnes Stave Church near Lustrafjorden, an excellent example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, is home to a national park with several museums and visitor centers.
Restaurants in Sogn og Fjordane
1. Hauge kyrkje
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 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. Bakka Church
4. Gaupne Old Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
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.
5. St. Olav's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Maui2010_10
We attended one of the Sunday morning communion services here during our stay in Balestrand. It was such a joy to get to worship in this historic building. A wonderful experience.
6. Vangen Kyrkje (Vangen Church)
7. Stedje Church
8. Hestad Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Elongated wooden church by Hestadfjorden in Gaular - 13 m long and 5.5 m wide, Built in 1805 - by the villagers from materials salvaged from an older stave church. There is room for 60 persons in this tiny church. The altarpiece and pulpit date from 1805. The altarpiece was probably decorated by the well-known decorative artist Kristian Kjelstad. Other items of interest include an altar candlestick from the 18th century, and there are wood carvings from medieval times - which are the only ones of their kind that have been preserved in Sunnfjord, apart from the rectory in Kinn.
9. Kaupanger Stave Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By 482keithk - Pointon, United Kingdom
Spent 45 minutes here, booked ahead and listened to the guide - really interesting and lovely church.
10. Hopperstad Stavkyrkje
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
