In a nutshell

Nature, folklore and the sacred are intertwined in the village of Vik: enjoy the best of this magical spot in one visit. Discover its religious roots in the churches of Hopperstad Stave and Hove, the bounty of Mother Nature from the Svingen viewpoint, and the fruits of human strength with the Statue of Fridtjof, the 'Viking of Vikings' from Scandinavian literature.

Main stops

Hopperstad Stave church (external visit)
Svingen viewpoint
The Statue of Fridtjof
Hove church

The programme

Seeing all of Vik's world-famous natural and traditional monuments has never been easier: today, you'll really fill up on the sights.
The first of these, which is not to be missed, is the wooden church of Hopperstad Stave, built way back in 1130 and one of the most important and picturesque in the country: the dragon heads and snakes on the roofs were designed to drive away demons.
Can't take your eyes off it? Maybe it's because it looks strangely like a boat: the ancient Norwegians didn't know much about building churches, but they were excellent shipbuilders!
But the nature around Vik is no less of a sculptor: from the viewpoint at Svingen, you will see how it carved out Sognefjord and shaped the branches of the Jostedal glacier between the valleys.
Then, in the town of Vangsnes, you will be treated to a special encounter: the statue of the Viking king Fridtjof, commissioned by Wilhelm II.
Finally, don't miss Hove church, which dates back to 1170, one of the most ancient stone churches in the whole of Norway.

Good to know

Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.