Old Årdal Church, church building in Hjelmeland, Rogaland, Norway
Old Årdal Church is a wooden structure standing in the Norwegian countryside with traditional architectural features and a simple interior design. The walls are decorated with hand-painted floral patterns, wooden benches face a plain altar, and the building can hold about 175 people for gatherings.
A church stood at this location as early as 1308, but it was torn down in 1619 and replaced with a new building in 1620, with some materials being reused from the earlier structure. The current wooden building was constructed between 1914 and 1916 by local residents, with funding partly coming from emigrants who had moved to the United States, and it received official approval in 1919.
The church is named after the village of Årdal and has shaped the identity of the local community for generations. Visitors can see in the painted walls and old furnishings how the people here have valued their traditions and shared history.
The church is accessible via the Fv633 road and is generally open on Sundays and for special occasions, though hours may vary. It is advisable to contact the local church office by phone or email for current information about services and visiting opportunities before your trip.
Some of the church furnishings date to the 17th century and have remained in their original form, making them rare examples of early Norwegian church furniture. These pieces offer direct insight into how the space was used and what style people preferred several hundred years ago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
