Vang: Stave Churches, Mills and Waterfalls

In Vang, traces of medieval architecture meet historic mills, waterfalls and opportunities to explore the landscape. Traditional mountain-farm life and activities at Lake Vangsmjøse are also among the varied themes you can use to shape your trip and accommodation search. Each place and experience has its own focus: churches and wood carvings, views, a cycling loop or fishing on the lake.

Stave Churches and History

Vang Church preserves objects connected with the former Vang Stave Church. These include a catechism board from 1620, which previously stood in the stave church. In 2012, Vang Church also received a collection of wooden figures back. They include apostles and Jesus; the figures were probably in the former Vang Stave Church.

Høre Stave Church dates from around 1179. Its rich medieval wood carvings depict, among other things, dragons and lions. Øye Stave Church was probably built in the 12th century. It has copies of medieval portals, which probably also date from the 12th century and are decorated with animal motifs. The new Kulturstøga opened in May 2023 in connection with Øye Stave Church. If you are planning a visit, check the seasonal opening hours.

Mills, Waterfall and Views

In Vennis, the six Bekkekvernene mills along the Leineåne form an exceptional historic complex. They are just a very short walk from a parking and rest area with toilets. You can also see the mills from the road bridge over the Leineåne. This offers two different perspectives on the complex: the view from the bridge and the short walk from the rest area.

Sputrefossen is also known as Givrisfossen on maps. The waterfall is one of the larger attractions in Vang municipality: its water first sprays upwards before falling back down, as at other waterfalls. The attraction is also suitable for very young children. From Hugakollen, views extend in every direction. These include views of Nørre Syndin, Rankonøse, Grindaden, Bergsfjellet, Skutshødn, Vennis and Slettefjellet, as well as east to Rundemellen.

Cycling and Hiking

Above the village of Vang, at the foot of the Grindane massif, there is a short, family-friendly cycling loop. After just one kilometre, views open up over the village, Lake Vangsmjøse and the mountains to the north. Those looking for a short loop with a viewpoint will find a different option here from the historic hiking routes.

The historic Stølsruta hiking route crosses the Stølsvidda: from the mountain farms in Nord-Aurdal through Vestre Slidre to Vang. Its route description therefore covers several areas and cannot be reduced to a single place. The cycling loop and the Stølsruta differ in their layout: one is a short loop above Vang, while the other is a historic route across the Stølsvidda to Vang.

Mountain-Farm Traditions and Local Experiences

Seasonal mountain-farm operations resumed at Sparstadstølen in 1996. The traditional work there is done without electricity, with hand milking, hand churning and cheese making over a wood fire. Rømmegrøt, Lapper and bacon or cured meat are served by prior order. Overnight stays are possible with advance booking; meals and overnight stays therefore require different arrangements.

In Ryfoss in Vang, a guided visit to Sygarden i Hålien can be arranged after contacting the farm. Depending on the season, it will probably include cows, mountain views and a cheese tasting. Plan your visit by contacting the farm directly, and bear in mind that these experiences are seasonal and some are only probable.

Fishing at Lake Vangsmjøse

At Lake Vangsmjøse, you can fish with a rod and otter from the shore or from the water. Hemsing Bru and Bøflaten Camping have fishing spots adapted for people with reduced mobility. The E16 runs along the south shore; a road also runs along the north shore, leading to easily accessible, signposted fishing spots. Information for finding your way while fishing therefore includes both specific spots and nearby roads.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Vang, it may help to first decide which travel interests matter most to you: historic churches, a waterfall and viewpoints, cycling and hiking, mountain-farm experiences or time by the lake. Meals or an overnight stay at Sparstadstølen require advance ordering or booking; contact Sygarden i Hålien in advance to arrange a guided visit.

Discover more destinations: Øye, Ryfoss, Gausdal Municipality, Lillehammer Municipality, Øyer Municipality, Lesja, Vestre Slidre, Lom.

Go to the main travel overview: Oppland.