A road trip from Oslo to the Sognefjord offers a unique combination of spectacular nature and fascinating medieval history. Along the way, you can visit ten historic stave churches in Valdres and around the Sognefjord. The route takes you through lush valleys, across high mountain passes, and along narrow fjords—where some of Norway’s most beautiful stave churches are set against dramatic natural scenery. From Valdres, across the Filefjell mountains and down to the Sognefjord, these remarkable wooden churches appear almost like pearls on a string. This is a road trip through fjords, striking landscapes, and Norway’s rich medieval heritage.
Stave churches are among the most unique cultural heritage sites in Norway. Most of them were built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and today only 28 remain in the country. Several are located along the historic route between Eastern and Western Norway—a passage that for centuries was used by traders, pilgrims, and kings travelling across the mountains between Valdres and the Sognefjord.
A Medieval Road Trip Through Norway
Stave churches are among the most unique cultural heritage sites in Norway and are considered some of the most important medieval buildings still standing today. During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 stave churches were built across the country, but only 28 remain today.
If you would like to learn more about stave churches by the fjords, you can read our guide to stave churches in Western Norway.
On this road trip from Oslo via Valdres to the Sognefjord, you can visit as many as ten of these historic churches. Together, they form a unique journey through Norway’s medieval history—from the mountain villages of Valdres to the fjord landscapes surrounding the Sognefjord.
There is plenty to see and experience along this route. Take your time, make stops along the way, and enjoy the combination of nature, culture, and small moments that make the journey special. In the text links throughout the article, you will find more information about the stave churches, fjords, and places you visit.
On this trip, it is not only the stave churches and fjords that are the highlights—the journey itself is also part of the experience.
Stave Churches and Fjords Along the Road Trip
On this road trip, the stave churches are almost like pearls on a string. In Valdres, you will find five stave churches, while the other five are located around the Sognefjord in Western Norway.
Important: To experience the interiors of the stave churches, you need to visit during the season and within opening hours. The churches on this route have different seasons and varying opening times, which requires careful planning and makes it challenging to visit all of them while they are open.
However, you can experience the stave churches from the outside all year round—and they are well worth a visit even from the exterior. During certain periods, the areas around the churches may be partially closed off, meaning they must be viewed from a distance.
Stave Churches to Visit on This Trip:
- Reinli Stave Church
- Hegge Stave Church
- Lomen Stave Church
- Høre Stave Church
- Øye Stave Church
- Borgund Stave Church
- Undredal Stave Church
- Kaupanger Stave Church
- Urnes Stave Church
- Hopperstad Stave Church
You will also experience some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords on this road trip. The journey follows the Sognefjord—Norway’s longest and deepest fjord—and continues into several of its most famous branches.
The Four Main Fjords Along the Route:
In addition, you will pass several smaller fjord branches, such as Lærdalsfjorden, Sogndalsfjorden, Vikjabukti, and Esefjorden—but it is these four main fjords that truly define the experience.
Below, you can read more about the drive, the stave churches, and the fjords you encounter along the way.
From Oslo to Valdres
There are several routes from Oslo to the Sognefjord. The fastest route usually goes across the Hemsedalsfjellet mountain pass and down the Lærdalsdalen Valley to Lærdal.
The route described here, however, takes you through Valdres and is therefore a slight detour. In return, you will experience beautiful scenery and visit several of the most beautiful stave churches in Norway along the way.
This is not a detailed driving route. You can refer to the map at the bottom of the article to see where the stave churches are located. The detours often required to reach the churches must be planned by yourself using physical maps or tools like Google Maps.
This road trip starts in Oslo and heads northwest through beautiful valley and mountain landscapes towards Valdres. In this region, you will find several of the stave churches that still remain in Norway. Reinli Stave Church, Hegge Stave Church, Lomen Stave Church, Høre Stave Church, and Øye Stave Church are all located in Valdres and are natural stops along the way to the Sognefjord.
Follow the E18 from Oslo to Sandvika, then continue along the E16 from Sandvika to Valdres, where the five stave churches are located almost in a row. To visit the churches mentioned, you will need to make a few detours from the main road. Refer to the map at the bottom of the article, where the stave churches are marked—you will also see where to leave the main road to reach each of them in Valdres and around the Sognefjord.
Click on the links in the text to learn more about the stave churches, places, and fjords you will experience along the way. These will take you to additional articles with information on what to see and do, as well as where to stay in the different locations and regions.
The Stave Churches in Valdres
Valdres is one of the regions in Norway with the highest number of preserved stave churches. Along the route from Oslo across the Filefjell mountains, you can visit five of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches. Below, you can read more about the stave churches in Valdres, with photos of each church (photos of Reinli Stave Church will be added after the next visit).
On the official Valdres website, you will find inspiration and practical information about what to see and do, as well as tips on accommodation and places to eat in the Valdres region.
Reinli Stave Church at Reinli in Valdres
Reinli Stave Church is located in Reinli in Sør-Aurdal, Valdres, and was likely built in the early 14th century. It is one of the best-preserved stave churches in the region and has been in continuous use for centuries.
The church is built of wood using traditional stave construction and stands today as a well-preserved example of medieval church architecture.
To visit Reinli Stave Church, you need to take a short detour from the main road through Valdres and follow a local road to the church. Reinli Stave Church is still in use as a parish church and is used for services, baptisms, and weddings.
Season: Open to visitors late in the summer season. Please check the official website of Reinli Stave Church for up-to-date information on opening hours.
Hegge Stave Church in Øystre Slidre in Valdres
Hegge Stave Church is located in Øystre Slidre in Valdres and was built in the early 13th century. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and is one of the most well-known stave churches in the region.
The church is built of wood and has undergone several restorations, but still retains many of its original elements. It remains in use as a parish church and is used for services and other church ceremonies.
To visit Hegge Stave Church, you will need to make a fairly long detour along County Road 51. From Fagernes, it is approximately 27 kilometres towards Beitostølen to reach the church.
Season: Open to visitors only on a few days during the summer season, with very limited opening hours. Group visits outside regular opening hours may be arranged on request. Please check the official website of Hegge Stave Church for up-to-date information on opening hours.
Lomen Stave Church in Vestre Slidre in Valdres
Lomen Stave Church is located in Vestre Slidre in Valdres and was built around the late 12th century. The church is no longer in use for regular services, but it remains an important cultural heritage site in the region.
The church is built of wood and has a simple yet distinctive design, with clear medieval features.
To reach Lomen Stave Church, you need to take a short detour from the main road and follow a local road. The road does not go all the way to the church.
Season: Open to visitors on selected weekdays during the summer season. Please check the official website of Lomen Stave Church for up-to-date information on opening hours.
Høre Stave Church in Vang in Valdres
Høre Stave Church is located at Høre, near the village of Ryfoss in Vang Municipality in Valdres. The church was built in the late 12th century and is one of the oldest stave churches in the area. It has been in continuous use as a parish church since the Middle Ages.
The church is built of wood and has undergone several modifications, but still preserves important historical elements. It remains in use as a parish church and is used for services and other church ceremonies.
Høre Stave Church is located a short distance from the main road through Valdres, with an approximately four-kilometre detour from Ryfoss to reach the church.
Season: Open to visitors on selected weekdays during the summer season. Please check the official website of Høre Stave Church for up-to-date information on opening hours.
Øye Stave Church in Vang in Valdres
Øye Stave Church is located at Øye in Vang Municipality in Valdres and was most likely originally built in the 12th century. It was dismantled in the 18th century, but reconstructed in the 20th century based on original parts and historical knowledge.
The church is built of wood and today provides a good impression of what a medieval stave church may have looked like. Øye Stave Church is now used for church events during the summer season and for special occasions.
Kulturstøga at Øye is a visitor centre associated with Øye Stave Church, showcasing local history. The centre is open during the summer season alongside the church and presents local history through exhibitions of artefacts from, among other periods, the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.
Øye Stave Church is located just off the main road through Valdres, at Øye near the western end of Lake Vangsmjøse. A short local road leads to the church.
Season: Open to visitors on selected weekdays during the summer season. Please check the official website of Øye Stave Church for up-to-date information on opening hours.
Across the Filefjell Mountain Pass to Borgund Stave Church
After visiting Øye Stave Church—the last of the five stave churches in Valdres on the way to the Sognefjord—you continue along the E16 past Tyinkrysset and across the Filefjell mountain pass, before descending to Borlaug, where the Lærdalsdalen Valley begins.
The road across Filefjell is a historic mountain pass that for centuries has been an important route between Eastern and Western Norway.
On the way from Borlaug down towards Lærdal, you will find Borgund Stave Church, located at Borgund in the Lærdalsdalen Valley—one of the most famous and best-preserved stave churches in Norway.
To reach Borgund Stave Church, you need to leave the E16 and take a detour along Fylkesvei 630 to Borgund. Follow the signs, as the turn-off to Borgund Stave Church is clearly marked.
Borgund Stave Church and the old Vindhellavegen Road
Borgund Stave Church, built around 1181 AD, is the most visited stave church in Norway.
When visiting Borgund Stave Church, we also recommend exploring the old Vindhellavegen road, which is located just behind the church.
The 1.7-kilometre-long Vindhellavegen was completed in 1793 and is now part of the 100-kilometre hiking route known as the King’s Road (Kongevegen), which runs between Vang in Valdres and Lærdal by the Sognefjord.
There is a visitor centre and a café nearby where you can buy tickets and get information and guided tours of the stave church.
Season: Borgund Stave Church and the visitor centre are open approximately from mid-April to mid-October. Please check the official Borgund Stave Church website for more information about opening hours, tickets, and guided tours.
Round Trip Along the Sognefjord – Alternative Driving Routes
After visiting Borgund Stave Church, you can choose between several routes to explore the stave churches around the Sognefjord. Below, you will find two suggested ways to plan this round trip—my recommended route and an alternative option. The alternative route is described at the end of this article.
You do not need to follow either of these routes. From Lærdal, you are free to choose among the many possibilities for an unforgettable road trip around the Sognefjord—Norway’s longest fjord and a true fjord adventure. Take the time you need, drive in the direction you prefer, and make the detours you wish, visiting the fjords and stave churches that interest you most.
Experience the vast and powerful Sognefjord alongside its narrow and beautiful branches. The Sognefjord consists of several fjord arms, including the Fjærlandsfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lærdalsfjorden, Sogndalsfjorden, Årdalsfjorden, and the Lustrafjord, in addition to the main fjord itself.
The region combines dramatic mountains, mighty glaciers, and idyllic fjord villages, offering opportunities for fjord cruises, hiking, glacier walks, and nature experiences in one of Norway’s most impressive fjord landscapes.
Stay at charming historic hotels or choose from the many other accommodation options along the Sognefjord. Here you will find a small selection of hotels, campsites, and other places to stay in the area. Below, you can explore a collection of images from the Sognefjord and its surrounding fjords.
From Borgund towards Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord
As you continue west from Borgund, the landscape opens up towards the mighty Sognefjord—Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. From here, you can visit several stave churches scattered around the fjord and its branches.
At Haabakken, about seven kilometres before reaching Lærdal, you can turn left and drive through the 25-kilometre-long Lærdal Tunnel to Aurland, then continue past Flåm to the turn-off for Undredal.
The turn-off to Undredal is located between Flenjatunnelen and Gudvangatunnelen, two tunnels along the road between Flåm and Gudvangen. Follow Fylkesvei 601, which leads all the way down to Undredal and Undredal Stave Church by the Aurlandsfjord.
Before driving through the Lærdal Tunnel, it is recommended to take a short detour to the Old Lærdalsøyri in Lærdal if you have time.
If you stop in Flåm, you can experience iconic fjord cruises and the famous Flåm Railway, go hiking or cycling, join a fjord safari, visit scenic viewpoints, and explore charming nearby villages—all in one of Western Norway’s most popular destinations.
Undredal Stave Church in Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord
Undredal Stave Church is located in Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord. The small village and its church, surrounded by steep mountains rising straight up from the fjord, are said to have inspired the film Frozen I.
Undredal Stave Church is the smallest church in Norway, with only 40 seats. The church celebrated its 850th anniversary in 1997. The year 1147 AD is carved inside the church and is therefore used as the official date of the building.
The original church bell in Undredal Stave Church is the earliest known Norwegian church bell from the Middle Ages. It is no longer in use and has been replaced by two newer bells from 1884 and 1996. The old bell is now hanging inside the stave church.
The original wall paintings have reappeared after having been covered by several layers of white paint. The white paint was removed in the 1960s.
Undredal Stave Church is still in use and is used for services, baptisms, and weddings.
Season: There are guides at the stave church in the summer. Please check the Explore Undredal website for opening hours. Visits and guided tours inside the church can be booked through Explore Undredal. See the official website for up-to-date information on season, opening hours, and Undredal Stave Church.
My Recommended Route to the Remaining Stave Churches by the Sognefjord
This is my suggested route for the next part of the journey between the three remaining stave churches by the Sognefjord: Kaupanger, Urnes, and Hopperstad Stave Church. From Undredal, the route continues back through the Undredal Valley and along the E16 through the Gudvangatunnelen tunnel to Gudvangen.
From here, you can take what is often called “the world’s most beautiful ferry journey” through the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord, and further along the Sognefjord to Kaupanger and Kaupanger Stave Church.
From Undredal to Kaupanger – Fjord Cruise on the Sognefjord
Gudvangen and Kaupanger are the two ports where the iconic ferry journey along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives.
This is a two-and-a-half-hour fjord cruise on the Sognefjord, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, between Gudvangen and Kaupanger.
On this journey, you will experience the mighty Sognefjord at its widest point. The outer part of the Aurlandsfjord is narrower than the Sognefjord, yet still quite wide, while the Nærøyfjord is narrow, with steep mountains rising high above the fjord.
Countless rivers and waterfalls cascade down the steep mountainsides. On this ferry journey, you can experience the dramatic contrasts and the beautiful, wild nature of this remarkable part of Norway.
You can bring your car on this ferry.
Season (Gudvangen–Kaupanger ferry): Summer. Please see the Fjord Tours website for more information about the season and ferry schedules.
Kaupanger Stave Church at Kaupanger
Kaupanger Stave Church has been in continuous use since it was built around 1140 AD and is beautifully located overlooking Kaupanger Bay by the mighty Sognefjord. It is one of the largest stave churches in Norway and was built using timber from the forests around Kaupanger.
Kaupanger was originally an old Viking trading settlement. The name Kaupanger comes from the Old Norse words kaup (to buy) and angr (bay).
There was originally another stave church at Kaupanger, but it burned down in 1130 AD. Several artefacts from Kaupanger Stave Church are now on display at the University Museum of Bergen. Among these is a decorated wooden panel dating back to the 13th century.
Kaupanger Stave Church is still in use as a parish church and is used for services, baptisms, and weddings.
Season: Kaupanger Stave Church is open to visitors during the summer season. Please check the official Kaupanger Stave Church website for information on season and opening hours.
From Kaupanger to Solvorn and Urnes Stave Church at Ornes
From Kaupanger, the journey continues past Sogndal and then northeast towards Hafslo. Just before reaching Hafslo, turn right and drive approximately three kilometres down to Solvorn by the Lustrafjord.
A great way to explore Urnes Stave Church and its beautiful surroundings is to cross the Lustrafjord by ferry from Solvorn to Ornes. From the ferry quay at Ornes, it is just a short walk up to the stave church.
Urnes Stave Church is the oldest of the remaining stave churches in Norway and is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Western Norway. The church was built around 1130 AD and is located at Ornes by the Lustrafjord in Luster.
Urnes Stave Church was most likely originally built and used as a private farm church, and later in the Middle Ages it became a parish church.
Recent dating shows that the oldest timber used in the church was felled around 1070 AD, while timber from later parts of the building was cut between 1129 and 1130 AD. The exterior wood carvings make Urnes Stave Church particularly special and unique.
Urnes Stave Church – Season: Summer. Please check the official Urnes Stave Church website for more information about the season, opening hours, guided tours, and the church. During the summer, you can join guided tours both outside and inside the church.
Along the Sognefjord to Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik
The final stave church on this journey is Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn, located slightly off the main route. From Solvorn, the most natural way is to drive back through Sogndal and continue along the Sognefjord, past Leikanger to Hella, where you take a ferry across the Sognefjord to Vangsnes.
From Vangsnes, it is a short drive into Vikjabukti to Vik and Hopperstad Stave Church. In Vik, you can also visit Hove Stone Church, built around 1170, which is one of the oldest stone churches in Norway.
Vik is an idyllic fjord village with a long history and strong cultural traditions. It lies in the same part of Sogn as Balestrand, on the opposite side of the fjord, and offers a combination of cultural heritage sites, beautiful fjord landscapes, and easy access to other attractions along the Sognefjord.
Hopperstad Stave Church is located at the Hopperstad farm in Vik. The church was built around 1130 AD and is one of the oldest stave churches in Norway. Recent dating based on several timber samples shows that the wood used in the church was felled between 1034 and 1116 AD.
Around 1880, the stave church was reconstructed, with Borgund Stave Church in Borgund in Lærdal used as a model. It is believed that the church originally resembled Borgund Stave Church. Most of the interior has been preserved in its original form.
Several of the exterior portals of Hopperstad Stave Church are richly decorated, featuring wood carvings with, among other motifs, dragons. During the summer, you can join guided tours inside Hopperstad Stave Church.
Season – Summer: Please check the Hopperstad Stave Church website for information on season and opening hours.
A historic ending in Balestrand
After visiting Hopperstad Stave Church, and if you have time, you can finish your journey with a short detour to Balestrand. From Vangsnes, you can take a ferry either to Hella or to Dragsvik. If you choose the ferry to Dragsvik, it is only a short drive to the idyllic fjord village.
Balestrand is located in the heart of the Sognefjord, where the fjord is wide and the mountains rise steeply from the water. In the mid-19th century, this was one of the first places discovered by foreign travellers when they began visiting the Norwegian fjords. The beautiful villas in dragon style and Swiss style, St. Olaf’s Church, and the historic Kviknes Hotel still reflect this era.
Balestrand is therefore a perfect place to end this historic road trip through some of the most beautiful scenery Norway has to offer.
Alternative Route Around the Sognefjord
An alternative after visiting Borgund Stave Church is to visit Undredal Stave Church and then continue over the Vikafjellet mountain pass to Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn. However, this means you will miss the ferry journey between Gudvangen and Kaupanger (although you can take it later if you wish).
On this alternative route, you drive from Undredal to Gudvangen and continue towards Voss to Vinje, where you turn right and follow Riksvei 13 across the Vikafjellet mountain pass to Vik in Sogn, where you will find Hopperstad Stave Church and Hove Stone Church.
The journey then continues along Vikjabukti and the Sognefjord to Vangsnes (from Vangsnes, you can take a detour to Balestrand if you wish. In that case, take the ferry from Vangsnes to Dragsvik, followed by a short drive to Balestrand).
From Vangsnes, or from Balestrand, you take a ferry across the fjord to Hella and continue along the Sognefjord past Leikanger to Sogndal, and further to Kaupanger, where Kaupanger Stave Church is located.
After Kaupanger, the route continues back past Sogndal and then north along Fylkesvei 55 to Solvorn by the Lustrafjord. From Solvorn, take the ferry across the Lustrafjord to Ornes and Urnes Stave Church, which is the final stave church on this alternative route.
Season and Practical Information
Season: Summer. This depends, among other factors, on the opening hours of the stave churches (if you wish to visit the interiors), as well as the season for the ferry between Gudvangen and Kaupanger.
It is recommended to book both accommodation and the ferry between Gudvangen and Kaupanger well in advance, as these are often fully booked during the high season.
Ferry Gudvangen–Kaupanger: May–September (2026). Please see Fjord Tours for information about the season and booking.
Opening hours (stave churches): Vary. Please check the official websites of each stave church for up-to-date information.
Total distance: This road trip is approximately 630 kilometer from Oslo to Balestrand (one way), including ferries between Gudvangen–Kaupanger, Solvorn–Ornes, Hella–Vangsnes, and Vangsnes–Dragsvik.
Travel time: Allow plenty of time—this is a journey best experienced over several days, with many stops and experiences along the way. No specific travel time is given, as it will vary depending on your interests, pace, and the activities you choose to include.
The Sognefjord – Things to See and Do
The Sognefjord is the King of the Norwegian Fjords. The fjord stretches 204 kilometres in length and reaches a depth of 1,308 metres at its deepest point. The Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lustrafjord, and the Fjærlandsfjord are among the branches of the Sognefjord. Here, you can for example:
- Visit the Stegastein Viewpoint above the Aurlandsfjord
- Experience the Flåm Railway between Flåm and Myrdal
- Join a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord
- Hike to Mt Molden with views over the Lustrafjord
- Explore fjord villages such as Lærdal, Undredal, Solvorn, and Balestrand
Visit Sognefjord
Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Sognefjord area.
Hotels and accommodation in the Sognefjord area
Overview of hotels and where you can spend the night in the area around the Sognefjord.
References
Stave Churches – Useful Links
Stave Churches in Norway: Stavechurch.com
Heritage Times: The Stave Churches of Norway
Road Trip Map – Stave Churches and Fjords from Oslo to the Sognefjord
On this map, the 10 stave churches are marked with green symbols featuring a white cross. The four main fjords are highlighted in blue. All other markers include links to places, viewpoints, hiking routes, and activities to explore in and around the Sognefjord and its branches.