Sør-Audnedal: Cultural history around Valle

When exploring the Sør-Audnedal area, several themes come together: the Audna as a river, as well as the architecture, art and local heritage of the surrounding area. These include Valle Church and the Herstøl farm. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you consider your interests for the trip—from the river to cultural history.

The river and getting your bearings

The Audna is navigable from the fjord to Valle. The river is therefore a distinct geographical feature of the area. Valle is also a reference point for several places of cultural and historical interest in the vicinity of Sør-Audnedal. The river landscape and individual sights can be viewed as different themes: the Audna represents the area’s connection to the water, while Valle Church and Herstøl offer insights into architecture, crafts and history.

Valle Church: architecture, art and surroundings

The church’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. The church at the time was probably a stave church and was replaced by a log-built church erected in 1577. Today’s Valle Church is a wooden cruciform church with a cross-shaped floor plan. It was completed in 1793, about 60 metres south of its predecessor, and has around 600 seats.

The furnishings also tell stories of different periods. The antependium depicts the Crucifixion in one panel and Adam and Eve in Paradise in the other. The church also houses the large “Hans Hansson epitaph”, a memorial painting from 1708. Other works of art include a painting by Peter Reimers depicting Peder Claussøn Friis, and the old painting “Christian IV’s syn” by the pulpit. Thirteen paintings of the Apostles are displayed on a gallery parapet.

Much of the church’s furnishings come from Peder Claussøn’s church, located a little north of the present church. Some of the liturgical furnishings donated by Peder Claussøn Friis are still in active use today. A statue of Friis stands in front of the Valle prestegård rectory. The church is surrounded by a cemetery; just outside its southern side is the large burial mound Dronninghaugen, about 200 metres from the medieval church site.

Herstøl: local history and crafts

The Herstøl cotter’s farm is a living cultural heritage site with roots in the 18th century. Restored buildings and well-maintained grounds with broad public access provide a setting for themes such as local history, crafts, outdoor recreation and education. The site also explores the history of the Louen family and its significance for Norwegian art and craft traditions. Another connection is to Gustav Vigeland’s early training in woodcarving.

The Herstøl–Hommefløyen route starts at the car park by the floodlit ski trail in Vigeland. From there, you can take either the steep road or a shorter but even steeper path up to Herstølstjønn. Route information may change if local paths are altered, so check the current route before setting out.

Collections at Lindesnes Rural Museum

The Lindesnes Rural Museum is also located near the destination. Its basement houses an open museum store containing most of its approximately 2,500 collection items. These include Arne N. Vigeland’s collection of about 280 plaster sculptures and his private collection of paintings. Together with Herstøl and the artworks in Valle Church, this collection offers another way to explore regional history and art.

Discover more destinations: Byremo, Audnedal, Kollungtveit, Sveindal, Konsmo.

Back to the main travel overview: Audnedal.