Ål: Stave Church, Cultural Landscape and Outdoor Experiences

Ål has several facets: a stave church with a long local history, a cultural landscape shaped by agriculture, and outdoor activities with a range of different focuses. When planning your trip, you can tailor the balance of culture, nature and activities to your interests.

Churches, museums and historic routes

Torpo stave church has stood in the same place since the late 12th century. It is the oldest and only surviving original stave church in Hallingdal. Ål church offers a different architectural touch: built from wood in the Neo-Gothic style in 1880, it is still used for services and concerts.

Ål Bygdamuseum is built around a protected 17th-century farmstead and comprises 32 old buildings. The Ål cultural centre exhibits art by the German-Norwegian graphic artist Rolf Nesch. The Nesch Museum in Ål houses the largest permanent public exhibition of works by this artist.

Tjuvkjellaren also offers a glimpse into the area's history: the trail follows part of the old route that served as the main connection from Oppheim to the centre of Ål for over a century and was used until the 1960s. This means that, alongside churches and art, historic routes can also be a distinct focus when planning your trip.

Cultural landscape and waterfall

The landscape of Leveld is characterised by divided fields, numerous stone walls and clearance cairns. In 2017, Leveld was selected as one of 51 designated cultural landscapes of agriculture in Norway. The distinctive features of this landscape offer a unique perspective on the area's agricultural character.

Kulufossen is a steep, powerful waterfall that plunges down the mountainside into a wild and beautiful landscape. The hike takes you close to the water and offers magnificent views across Hallingdal. The scenery in Ål varies, from the agriculturally shaped fields of Leveld to the surroundings of the waterfall.

Flow trails and outdoor activities

Bråtabakkjin and Hallingspretten are machine-built flow trails, but differ in grading and other features. Bråtabakkjin is rated red, is 1.7 kilometres long and is close to the centre of Ål. Hallingspretten is rated blue, has a natural surface and is suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers. Trail conditions and ratings can change; check them before your ride.

Elvelangs follows the Hallingdalselva through the centre of Ål. In Veståsen, you can fish in six mountain lakes managed by the Ål Jeger- og Fiskerforening. As fishing management and permit requirements can change, check the current conditions before fishing.

Hesttjerni in Veståsen is also accessible to wheelchair users. Check the condition of the path and facilities before your trip. Hestur offers horseback rides from Skarslia through forest and mountain terrain in Ål. As seasonal availability can change, check in advance whether the activity is available at your planned time.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

The train between Oslo and Bergen stops in Ål, with several departures daily. Service frequency and timetables can change, so check the current connections before travelling. If you are looking for a hotel in Ål, you can take your travel arrangements and the experiences that interest you most—such as culture, landscapes or outdoor activities—into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ål, Vats, Torpo, Nes, Nore Og Uvdal, Ringerike, Nedre Eiker, Hol.

Go to the main travel overview: Buskerud.