Vollen: The Thing Site and Slidredomen

Vollen can be understood through its cultural history. Until the mid-16th century, the old Thing site for all of Valdres was located here. Vollen (Vølle) may also have been a Thingvoll, a place where people gathered for assemblies. This interpretation remains a possibility; by contrast, the historic Thing site is identified by its location and function.

History and Church in Vollen

Vollen is also connected to ecclesiastical history. Before Slidre was divided in 1848, priests travelled by horse-drawn carriage along the historic Prestevegen. The route crossed the heights of Volbu to Vollen in Slidre, where the priests held services. The Thing site and Prestevegen thus represent different aspects of the area's history: assemblies on the one hand, and religious routes and services on the other.

Nearby is Slidredomen, a stone church dating from the late 12th century. It is the largest church in Valdres. For travellers interested in architectural and regional history, it adds to the picture of Vollen, although the church itself is not in Vollen.

Cultural Sites in Vestre Slidre

The wider destination of Vestre Slidre is home to other distinct cultural sites. Gardbergfeltet in Slidreåsen covers two square kilometres. There are around 1,000 burial mounds and more than 900 finds dating from the Roman Iron Age to the Viking Age, up to around 800 AD. Access is via the E16 and the turn-off towards Slidre sentrum; there is a dedicated car park on site. As road signs may change, check the directions before setting off.

Einangstein and the nearest burial mounds are also among the cultural history sites in Vestre Slidre. In spring 2022, the area received new cultural heritage signage. Einangstein is considered the oldest runestone in the North still standing in its original location.

Lomen stave church is the oldest church in Vestre Slidre and dates from the 12th century. It was built around 1170–1190; its carved portal boards feature dragon motifs. The ruins of Mo Church are the remains of a church built between 1200 and 1250. A Gothic window and medieval coins found during excavation and restoration point to this date.

Landscape and Seasons

Stølsvidda stretches across Vestre Slidre and Nord-Aurdal and was recognised as a selected cultural landscape in 2018. Wetland complexes and open grazing land define the area; bird density is unusually high, especially among waterfowl. Stølsvidda is frequently used as an outdoor recreation area by locals, cabin owners and visitors. If you are interested in landscapes and birdlife, this offers a different focus from the churches and archaeological sites.

For winter activities, Vestre Slidre has an extensive network of cross-country ski trails maintained by Vasetløypene. Trail-grooming conditions may vary. Vaset Skiheiser is located in Vaset in the municipality of Vestre Slidre; its seasonal operation varies. Considering the time of year can therefore help you match Vollen's cultural history and the wider regional options to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Lomen, Røn.

See the overview of the wider destination: Vestre Slidre.