Places with a story
Uvdal stavkirke
Uvdal stavkirke combines a dark tarred exterior with a richly coloured interior. Above the valley in Nore og Uvdal, medieval timber construction, later painted decoration and discoveries beneath the floor reveal a church shaped by many centuries of change.
About the place1
The owner dates the church to 1168. Its present form reflects successive enlargements through the nineteenth century rather than the untouched original design. The building belongs to the museum farmyard, which places the church within a broader account of rural life and craftsmanship in Numedal.
History and local connections1
Fortidsminneforeningen has owned the church since 1901. Archaeological work in 1978 uncovered well-preserved medieval graves and textiles beneath the floor, adding evidence of burial practices and clothing to the architectural history. These discoveries concern the church's archaeological record and should not be assumed to be visible in their original position during a tour.
What to look for1
The west portal carries a scene associated with the story of Gunnar playing a harp with his toes while surrounded by snakes. Inside, painted flowers, fruit and leafy ceilings from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries create a remarkably full decorative setting. Comparing carving and painting makes the different periods easy to appreciate.
Plan your visit1
Check the owner's current summer season and ticket arrangements before planning an indoor visit. The published ticket combines the church and museum farmyard, with sales at Skolestua café. The 2026 summer season ended in August. A virtual tour is available for viewing the interior remotely, and the wider museum programme may have separate events.
Sources
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