You're approaching Hegge Stavkirke, one of Norway's 28 remaining medieval stave churches. This wooden church dates back to the early 11th century, making it nearly a thousand years old.
What's remarkable is that it's still an active parish church today. The church sits beautifully in this valley setting, and from here you get a lovely view over Heggefjorden lake.
There's something quite special about this view - the lake's shape actually resembles Norway itself if you imagine north on the right and south on the left. It's one of those quirky geographical coincidences that locals are rather fond of pointing out.
Be aware that the church is only open during summer months, so if you're passing through in winter, you'll have to admire it from the outside. The dark wooden structure against the valley landscape is still worth the stop though. These stave churches are becoming increasingly rare.
Many were demolished in the 19th century, so seeing one that's survived nearly a millennium and still serves its original purpose is quite something. The medieval building techniques used here have stood the test of Norwegian winters remarkably well.
What's remarkable is that it's still an active parish church today. The church sits beautifully in this valley setting, and from here you get a lovely view over Heggefjorden lake.
There's something quite special about this view - the lake's shape actually resembles Norway itself if you imagine north on the right and south on the left. It's one of those quirky geographical coincidences that locals are rather fond of pointing out.
Be aware that the church is only open during summer months, so if you're passing through in winter, you'll have to admire it from the outside. The dark wooden structure against the valley landscape is still worth the stop though. These stave churches are becoming increasingly rare.
Many were demolished in the 19th century, so seeing one that's survived nearly a millennium and still serves its original purpose is quite something. The medieval building techniques used here have stood the test of Norwegian winters remarkably well.