Uvdal stavkirke

About the museum

Uvdal stave church was built shortly after 1168, as the timber has been dated by tree rings, and was originally a single-nave stave church of the central-mast type. The church is the result of continual extensions and rebuilding up to the 1800s, with each century adding something. In the 1650s it received flat roofs, and in 1656 the entire church was decorated for the first time. In the 1720s and 1730s it was rebuilt as a cross church.

Inside, the church is vividly coloured, with painted decorations from the mid-17th century and into the 19th century, in the Renaissance and Baroque style. The west portal has motifs from the Vølsunga saga, where Gunnar plays the harp with his toes in the snake pit. Excavations under the church in 1978 revealed well-preserved medieval graves.

The Fortidsminneforeningen (Norwegian heritage society) has owned the church since 1901. It forms part of Nore og Uvdal Bygdetun (rural heritage farmstead), where tickets are sold at Skolestua café. Numedal is known as the valley of the Middle Ages because of its stave churches and timber buildings, and the Middelalderuka (Middle Ages Week) is held every year.

Highlights

• Stave church from 1168 with a richly coloured painted interior
• West portal with motifs from the Vølsunga saga
• Medieval archaeological finds under the church floor
• The ticket also admits you to Nore og Uvdal Bygdetun

Operated by

Fortidsminneforeningen

Admission & discounts

The ticket covers both the stave church and Nore og Uvdal Bygdetun (2026 prices).

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The church lies in Kirkebygda in Uvdal, as part of Nore og Uvdal Bygdetun.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Skolestua café, where tickets are sold.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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