Røldal Stave Church in Røldal is estimated to have been built between 1200 and 1250 AD. The original church was built with stave construction.

Because of Røldal Stave Church, the village of Røldal became quite prosperous in the Middle Ages, and the church is still in use as a regular church.

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area.

Important information about roads in western Norway: Many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides, especially in rainy and snowy weather. This may include rock falls, rockslides, landslides, debris flows, mud flows, erosion, snow avalanches and rock avalanches. Some of the roads are particularly well-known for their high level of mass movements exposed over them. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

It is important to take precautions for weather and driving conditions, on roads and trails, both when driving and in general when one is out in nature in Norway and Western Norway. It is recommended to use guide on the tours described on this website. Use the information you find on this website at your own risk and responsibility. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Visit Hardangerfjord – Visit Sunnhordland

Visit Hardangerfjord and Visit Sunnhordland are the official destination companies for the Hardangerfjord area.

Stave Churches in Western Norway

A Stave Church is a wooden church from the middle age. Most of the Norwegian Stave Churches were built right after the Viking Age around year 1100-1200 AD. The name “Stave Church” comes from the construction of the buildings; large ground beams of wood are placed on a foundation of stone, then internal wooden pillars (staves) are interconnected and also connected to the outer walls.

Røldal Stave Church in Røldal

Røldal Stave Church is estimated to have been built between year 1200 and 1250 AD. The original church was built with the stave construction. During reconstructions in 1844 AD. and between 1913 and 1918 AD, it was discovered that Røldal Stave Church was different from other stave churches. The original walls were covered and protected by new outer walls during the last reconstruction.

In the Midde Age, Røldal Stave Church was one of the most important churches in Norway for pilgrims. Due to this, the church received large donations from the pilgrims, and the village of Røldal became quite prosperous.

In addition to several objects in the stave church, such as a crucifix from the 13th century and a baptismal font from the 13th-14th centuries, a number of objects from Røldal Stave Church are also kept in the University Museum in Bergen.

Season: Røldal Stave Church is currently in use as a regular church, but there are also guided tours in the summer. See the website of Røldal Stave Church for season and opening hours.

How to travel to Røldal Stave Church

Røldal is perhaps best known for the skiing and Røldal Ski Resort on Mt Røldalsfjellet. The ski resort is located on the high mountain, above the tree line, and is particularly popular among freeriders. It is about 42 kilometers to drive from Odda to Røldal Stave Church, Odda is the municipal center in Ullensvang Municipality. Røldal is also part of Ullensvang Municipality.

The Hardangerfjord Area – What to See and Do

The Hardangerfjord area, the orchard of Norway, is known for Summer Skiing at Folgefonna Glacier and a spectacular fruit tree blossoming in spring. Drive in the Hardanger area and see the Vøringsfossen Waterfall and all the other great waterfalls. Hike the famous Trolltunga Hike or Dronningstien (the Queens Panoramic Trail) in the area around Sørfjorden. Lake Bondhusvatnet and Bondhusbreen Glacier was one of the first places the English tourists visited when they discovered Norway in the mid 1800´s. Join a Fjord Cruise on the Hardangerfjord which is located in the county of Vestland, near Bergen, in the middle of Western Norway.