Aure: Church, Local History and Walking Routes

Aure combines distinctive architectural history with a village setting that can also be explored on foot and through other local offerings. The Aure kyrkje, the old town hall, Kofoedsamlinga and the Aureelva trail offer different starting points when choosing a destination. You can consider whether church and local history, a walk or a visit to Aure Arena should be the focus of your stay.

The Church and Its Protected Surroundings

Aure kyrkje is a wooden church with a cruciform plan and was consecrated on 24 October 1924. Its site has been used as a church site since the 10th century. The previous building was the medieval stave church, Sankta Maria kyrkja. The altarpiece in Aure kyrkje is also dated to 1460. This means that different layers of history can be distinguished at the same site: its long use as a church site, the former stave church and the church consecrated in 1924.

The protected historic surroundings of Aure sentrum include more than the church. They also comprise the vicarage with its storehouse and boathouse, the old town hall, the mill house and the area down to the river. To get your bearings, it helps to distinguish between a single building and the larger protected village setting: the church is a specific point of interest in local history, while the other buildings mentioned and the riverside area form part of the ensemble.

Town Hall, Art and Local Collection

Aure’s old town hall was moved and preserved on a plot near the old vicarage. It was preserved in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines. The building was converted into a café and art gallery, operated by Aure Kunstlag. Here, you can encounter both the building’s former function as a town hall and its current use as a café and gallery.

The old vicarage is also connected with the history of local collections. Blårommet, a room in the vicarage in Aure used as a museum, houses Kofoedsamlinga; part of the collection is displayed in a room of its own. The collection includes midwifery equipment and supplies belonging to the midwife Astrid Kofoed. It also includes old household items and tools that Kofoed donated to the municipality of Aure. Together, the town hall and the collection offer two different ways of exploring local history: a repurposed public building and objects from the work of a local midwife.

Walks and Activities at Aure Arena

The Aureelva trail is an easy walk along the shore and the Aureelva in the centre of Aure. Free parking for the trail is available at Aure kyrkje. This lets you consider local history and a walk as separate activities: the trail follows the river through the centre, while the church and its protected surroundings focus on architectural history.

Aure Arena offers other activities. Its swimming pool measures approximately 8.5 by 12.5 metres, and the water temperature is about 27 to 28°C. The pool can be rented year-round, except for six to seven weeks in summer. If renting the pool is important to your plans, confirm the terms before your visit. The arena’s sports hall also houses Salmarveggen, a climbing and bouldering wall. Here, too, it is advisable to check arrangements in advance.

Information about these places and activities gives you a factual basis for planning your stay around your interests and then searching for a suitable hotel.

Discover more destinations: Hals, Våg, Mjosundet, Foldfjorden, Vihals, Lesund, Tustna, Kjørsvikbugen.

For the broader travel overview: Aure.