13 Best Sights in The Western Fjords, Norway

Grip Stavkyrkje

Fodor's choice

The island of Grip is a delight, especially the little red stave church that stands at the island's highest point and dates to 1470. The fishing community itself was mostly abandoned after World War II, but locals return in summer, along with many tourists. Ferries run from Kristiansund at least once a day between June and August. If the church is closed, locals can get the key.

Fjærland Kyrkje

This beautiful wooden church, painted a deep shade of red, dates back to 1861. It's a popular photo stop because of the snow-covered mountain peaks in the background.

Geiranger Kyrkje

This church is interesting (and quite peculiar) because of its octagonal shape. Designed by architect Hans Klipe, the wooden church dating from 1842 is the third to have stood on this spot. It's especially beautiful because of the backdrop of the fjords. Open only during the summer.

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Hopperstad Stavkyrkje

This beautiful house of worship stands on its original foundation from around 1130. Visitors in the summer months can join a guided tour around the interior and learn about how it has changed throughout the centuries.
Church
Hopperstadvegen 61, 6893, Norway
57--69--52--70
stavechurch.com
sights Details
Rate Includes: NKr 80, Closed Oct.--May

Hove Steinkyrkje

Dating back to the Middle Ages, this parish church is a prime example of Roman architecture. It was built in 1170, and Peter Andreas Blix, who restored it in the late 1800s, is buried below the nave. The church has a capacity of only 35 people.

Olden Gamle Kyrkje

Olden Old Church dates back to the 1700s, where a stave church once sat on the same spot. The pretty white structure was originally owned by a merchant, and the village didn't buy it until the late 1800s.

Solvorn Kyrkje

Built in 1883, this beautiful white wooden church has an impressive spire. It's the first thing you see when approaching Solvorn.

St. Olaf's Church

Also called the English Church, this Anglican house of worship was the dream of Margaret Sophia Green. The daughter of an English minister who married a local man, she spoke on her death bed about her vision of an English church in the village. Built in a stave church style, it was completed in 1897.

Sunnylven Kirke

Near the Hellesyltfossen, this church is said to have been visited by Henrik Ibsen during his trip to Hellesylt in 1862. The white wooden structure was completed in 1859.

Church
Hellesylt, Møre og Romsdal, 6218, Norway

Ulvik Kyrkje

Dating back to 1859, this cross-shape house of worship is worth seeing for its architecture alone. It was designed by Danish-Norwegian architect Hans Ditlev Franciscus von Linstow, who is most famous for being the man behind the Norwegian Royal Palace in Oslo.

Undredal Stavkyrkje

This is the smallest stave church in Scandinavia, and most likely the smallest in northern Europe. (It's hard to spot from the fjord because of its size.) It dates back to the 1100s and seats barely 40 people. The church is painted white, unlike most stave churches that retain their original dark brown color.

Urnes Stavkyrkje

In the village of Ornes, this beautiful stave church is one of the oldest in the area. It's believed to have been completed in 1132 (although some say 1140). Take the ferry to get here.

Vangen Kyrkje

This beautiful stone church was built in 1202, and has since been nicknamed Sognedomen, meaning the "Sogn Cathedral." This is the largest stone church in the area, and well worth a visit.
Church
Vangen 9, 5745, Norway