Uvdal: Stave Church, Ski Trails and Cycling Routes

Uvdal can be explored through a wide range of experiences: an intricately decorated stave church, cross-country ski trails on the plateau and in the valley, several cycling routes and fishing opportunities each offer a different focus. When choosing a holiday apartment, consider whether culture, winter days, cycling trips or time by the river will shape your holiday.

Stave Church and Traces of the Past

Uvdal stave church stands out for its colourful, richly decorated interior. The portal is also remarkable, featuring scenes from medieval heroic poetry. Both the interior design and the imagery at the entrance are highlights of the church.

Excavations have provided another glimpse into the past. In 1978, more than 500 coins, among other finds, were discovered beneath the church floor. These finds link a visit to the stave church with a specific archaeological discovery at this very site.

Ski Trails, Cycling Routes and Fishing Opportunities

Uvdal has 570 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, spread across the plateau and the valley. The extent of the network may vary depending on the trails and seasonal conditions. These two landscapes offer different settings for planning your trip if you want to make cross-country skiing a central part of your stay.

The cycling routes also differ in length and terrain. The Numedalsruta runs directly through Uvdal and is 280 kilometres long, from Geilo via Kongsberg to Larvik. The Uvdal–Solheimstulen–Imingfjell–Uvdal loop is just under 50 kilometres long and includes a mountain section at an elevation of more than 1,250 metres. Another option is the quiet Vestsidevegen gravel road, which can be ridden from inner Uvdal to Dokkeberg and is about 30 kilometres long. You can choose between a longer cycling route, a loop with a mountain section and a gravel road, each with its own route description. Road conditions and access may change; check conditions before setting out.

Fishing is another possible focus by the river. Fishing opportunities on the Uvdalselva are in the valley; the designated section runs from Fønnebøfjorden to the confluence of Tøddøla and Jønndøla. Before your trip, check the boundaries of the fishing section, permits and local regulations.

More to Explore in the Wider Nore Og Uvdal Destination

Solheimstulen, a staffed mountain lodge at the foot of Hardangervidda National Park, is located in the wider Nore Og Uvdal destination, at the very end of Jønndalen in Uvdal. The lodge is accessible year-round by road from County Road 40. The turn-off is about 13 kilometres north of Uvdal, followed by a further 14 kilometres of road to the lodge. Check road and toll conditions before travelling. Marked summer trails and winter routes lead from Solheimstulen to Mårbu, Rauhelleren, Åan and Imingfjell; trail conditions vary by season.

The Uvdal Skisenter offers another winter activity in the wider Nore Og Uvdal destination. It has 25 runs, including steep slopes, a terrain park and long, gentle pistes. The longest run is five kilometres. Check current conditions and operating hours before travelling.

The Nore og Uvdal Bygdetun in the wider Nore Og Uvdal destination also offers a cultural outing that varies by season. The open-air museum is located on the grounds of an old rectory; the schoolhouse and Prestegardsburet, which belonged to the former rectory, have been preserved. From 1 June to 31 August, visitors can take part in activities including haymaking. Waffles, coffee and Kling, a traditional local dish, are also sold there; this offer may be seasonal.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Uvdal, these differences can help you plan your trip: church art and archaeological history offer a different focus from ski trails, cycling routes or fishing. If you also consider options in the wider Nore Og Uvdal destination, take note of the conditions and seasonal variations mentioned for each.

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View the wider destination overview: Nore Og Uvdal.