Røldal stave church

Røldal stave church is a wooden religious building in Ullensvang with a rectangular nave and chancel, extensively restored between 1913 and 1918. The work revealed original Renaissance details hidden beneath 19th-century panels, while the interior displays baroque wall paintings and a later altar.

Construction took place between 1200 and 1250 as part of Norway's medieval church building tradition. The major restoration from 1913 to 1918 transformed the interior by removing later additions and bringing earlier design elements back to light.

The church served as a pilgrimage destination in medieval times, drawing visitors who believed in its healing powers and left substantial gifts. This religious traffic shaped the spiritual life and economic prosperity of the small village around it.

The site is open to visitors from May through September with paid entry for adults and free access for young children. Getting there involves traveling through Norwegian terrain, making the warmer months the most comfortable time to visit.

A wooden crucifix from the 13th century inside allegedly wept or sweated on July 6th each year, attracting pilgrims until 1835 when the practice stopped. Local stories about this supposed healing power eventually faded as the pilgrimage tradition ended.

Location: Ullensvang Municipality

Inception: 1250

GPS coordinates: 59.83085,6.82271

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03