Vang between stave churches and mountain farm culture

Vang brings together sacred architectural history, historic sites, waterfalls and seasonal mountain farm culture. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to choose your main interest: medieval woodcarving, excursions around Lake Vangsmjøse, cycling and hiking routes, or local produce each offer a different focus.

Stave Churches and Historic Sites

Each church tells its own story. Høre Stave Church dates from around 1179 and features rich medieval woodcarvings of dragons and lions. Øye Stave Church was probably built in the 12th century. It has copies of medieval portals, probably from the 12th century, with rich animal ornamentation.

Vang Church also preserves historical artifacts: its catechism board from 1620 was previously in Vang Stave Church. In 2012, the church also received back a collection of wooden figures, including apostles and Jesus, which are thought to have been in the former Vang Stave Church. Together, these two details show how the history of the former stave church is also reflected in objects now associated with Vang Church.

In May 2023, Kulturstøga in Øye opened in connection with Øye Stave Church. Another historical trace lies at Riddarberget in Høreskogen, where substantial remains of a hillfort can be found. In Vennis, the six Bekkekvernene mills on the Leineåne form an exceptional historic complex of buildings. They are a very short walk from a car park and rest area with toilets, and can also be seen from the road bridge over the Leineåne.

Waterfalls, Views and Routes

Sputrefossen is one of the larger attractions in Vang municipality. On maps, the waterfall also appears as Givrisfossen, named after the Givre farm. Its water sprays upward before falling, as at other waterfalls. The attraction is also suitable for very young children.

Hugakollen in Vang offers views in every direction: including Nørre Syndin, Rankonøse, Grindaden, Bergsfjellet, Skutshødn, Vennis and Slettefjellet, as well as Rundemellen to the east. Those interested in cycling can find a short, family-friendly loop above the village at the foot of the Grindane massif. After just one kilometre, it offers views of Vang village, Lake Vangsmjøse and the mountains to the north.

The historic Stølsruta hiking route crosses Stølsvidda, from the mountain farms in Nord-Aurdal through Vestre Slidre and on to Vang. On a broader regional scale, Mjølkevegen is a cycling route through large parts of Valdres. The two routes offer different ways to explore the area: a historic hiking route ending in Vang and an extensive cycling route through the region.

Fishing and Mountain Farm Culture

At Lake Vangsmjøse, you can fish with a rod and otter from the shore or on the water. Hemsing Bru and Bøflaten Camping have fishing spots adapted for people with reduced mobility. Route E16 runs along the south shore of the lake; a road also runs along the north shore, leading to easily accessible, signposted fishing spots.

Seasonal mountain farming resumed at Sparstadstølen in 1996. Traditional methods are used there without electricity: hand milking, hand churning and cheese-making over a wood fire. Rømmegrøt, Lapper and cured or salted meat are served by prior arrangement. An overnight stay at Sparstadstølen is possible with advance booking.

Sygarden i Hålien in Ryfoss also offers an insight into farm life: a guided visit can be arranged by getting in touch. Depending on the season, it may include cows, mountain views and a cheese tasting. Contacting the farm in advance is important; what you experience depends on the season.

Discover more destinations: Vang, Øye, Tyinkrysset, Ryfoss, Øystre Slidr, Gran, Østre Toten, Vågå.

For the broader travel overview: Oppland.