Gol: Stave Church, Farms and Trail Center

You can plan a trip to Gol around two distinct interests: local history and outdoor activities. Historic farms, the reconstructed stave church and paths to former farmsteads offer specific places to explore the cultural side of the area; Hallingmo adds a trail center. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gol, you can plan your stay around whether you’re mainly interested in buildings and farm history or in trails and cycling activities.

Culture and Farm History

Gol Bygdemuseum is located on the hillside above the center of Gol, near the site of Gol stavkyrkje and Gol Church. It stands on one of the oldest farms in the area and showcases traditional Norwegian wooden houses as well as a historic farm. The oldest storehouse on the museum grounds dates from 1750. The museum thus brings together its presentation of traditional wooden houses and the theme of the historic farm, while the storehouse provides a specific historical reference point.

Gol stavkyrkje at Storeøyne is a faithful copy of the original stave church from the 12th century. Its reconstruction was completed and consecrated in 1994, after extensive work by local craftsmen. These dates refer to different points in time: the 12th century is when the original was built, while 1994 marks the completion and consecration of the reconstruction. This distinguishes the medieval model from its later reconstruction.

Hesla Gård offers another perspective on the area’s history. The farm was mentioned in historical sources as early as 1528. The property is home to a building called Doktorgården, also known as Heslagammeln, which was built between 1830 and 1899. The dates refer to different things: 1528 marks the first mention of the farm, while the period from 1830 to 1899 is the building’s construction period.

Trails to Historic Sites

The Hallingmo Art and Culture Trail connects the center of Gol with the historic Renslotunet; the walk takes ten minutes. Renslotunet is a preserved former smallholding and is now an outdoor recreation area. The walking time is a useful reference when planning this route as part of your day.

There is also an information sign about the historic hiking route at Heslabrua in the center. The route passes several historic buildings and sites. The two trails complement each other: the Art and Culture Trail connects the center with Renslotunet, while the historic hiking route takes in several buildings and sites.

Hallingmo Trail Center

Hallingmo Aktivitetspark is located just above the center of Gol. Its trail center includes flow trails, a skills course and jump lines for different skill levels. This offers cyclists a different focus from the trails to historic sites: the trail center features a variety of trail elements, while the other destinations mentioned are centered on buildings and former farm use. This means you can discover Gol through both its cultural history and a specific outdoor activity.

Discover more destinations: Flå, Drammen, Flesberg, Hemsedal

Return to the regional travel overview: Buskerud.