Hol: Cultural History in the Village and Municipality

Hol offers cultural and historical points of interest in the village and municipality. The Hol bygdearkiv was built in 1988 in Hol sentrum; it shares a building with the Hol library branch. Other historic sites and museums are located in the municipality of Hol. The cultural perspective therefore ranges from architectural history and cemetery monuments to former everyday spaces and summer events. This gives your search for accommodation in Hol a clear focus: history and local culture.

Hol gamle kyrkje: Building history and monuments

Hol gamle kyrkje is the oldest church in the municipality of Hol. The wooden church, with its cruciform floor plan, is dated to the year 1200; the original stave church section from around 1200 remains part of the building. The church was first mentioned in writing in 1328. Its construction date, the surviving older section and its first written mention are distinct historical points of reference. As a building dating from before 1650, the church is automatically protected as a historic monument. It is situated by Holsfjorden and has 180 seats.

Near the church stands a monument to those who fell in the Napoleonic Wars. Hol gamle kyrkjegard cemetery contains several grave monuments depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, known as Nike in Greek mythology. There are also several flat obelisks. This type of obelisk was used by the Romans, among other things, as a symbol of victory, a boundary marker and a tombstone. The references to Victoria and the history of the obelisk’s form complement the church’s architectural history with motifs from antiquity.

Historic houses and summer use

Tingstugu, built around 1815, is located near the church. People could warm up there before and after the service; at weddings, young people danced in the house. Prestestugu was built in 1844 and is located next to Tingstugu and near the church. Together, the buildings offer insight into different historical uses connected with church visits and weddings.

During the summer season, Hol gamle kyrkje is used for services and other events. Hallingdal Museum/Buskerudmuseene is responsible for guided tours of the church in summer. If you are planning a tour or a specific event, check the current dates and tour arrangements in advance: the exact dates may vary.

In Hagafoss, the Hol Bygdemuseum is set up as an old farm from Hol, with a cotter’s holding and a summer mountain farm. The museum was founded on 8 November 1914 and comprises 17 buildings. Holsdagen takes place there every summer. The event shows what an old farm wedding in Øvre Hallingdal might have looked like in the 19th century. The museum also holds an annual Viking Day. As event details may change, it is worth checking the current dates before planning your stay around them.

More cultural sites in the destination of Hol

Hol’s wider cultural offering includes Fekjo Cultural Heritage Park, featuring landscape art by Gunnveig Nerol and Terje Isungset. Its archaeological traces include burial mounds from the Viking Age dating back to the 9th century; most of the graves investigated were women’s graves. The park also contains seven charcoal kilns and an iron-production site. Landscape art, graves and evidence of production add different dimensions to the area’s cultural history.

The Dagali Museum displays buildings and objects from Dagali, Skurdalen, Tunhovd and Uvdal. It is laid out as an old farm, with various buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Every summer, the Kjønås-stabburet hosts art exhibitions by recognised artists. The museum day during Dagali Days in mid-July is a tradition featuring an outdoor church service, refreshments, open houses and various activities. If you are planning a visit around Dagali Days, check the exact dates and programme.

Discover more destinations: Dagali, Hovet, Geilo.

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