Rollag: Stave Church, Farm History and Walking Routes

In Rollag, a historic church that is still in use today, a farm complex offering insights into everyday life, and paths through the local landscape come together. Rollag stave church is one of Norway’s 28 surviving stave churches. Dendrochronological studies date the present church to the mid-15th century; at the same time, it continues to be used fully as a parish church. Those interested in architectural history and living church traditions will find both aspects brought together in one place.

The stave church and local building culture

Rollag stave church stands on a small plot above the Numedalslågen. It also plays a central role as a venue during Middelalderuka i Numedal. For visitors, Rollag church is open daily from 11:00 to 17:00 from 15 June to 15 August. In 2017, a new staircase with a ramp for wheelchair users was installed at the entrance.

Rollag bygdetun offers another perspective on local history. Its 14 buildings are arranged around a spacious farmyard, whose layout is typical of the local building tradition. The collections include more than 1,000 objects that tell the story of everyday life in the community. Rather than looking at just one building, you can explore several facets of local architectural and everyday history here.

At the bygdetun, it is also worth taking a closer look at individual houses and their design: Rostadstugu is decorated with important works by the “Kongsberg painter.” This painter had a strong influence on rose painting in the community. Toenstugu, in turn, is also regularly used in winter for cultural events, gatherings and private celebrations. The farm complex thus brings decorative art together with a building that continues to be used for cultural purposes.

Walking routes and destinations around the bygdetun

Rollag bygdetun is the starting point for several of the routes described here. The Paradisgrenda circular walk begins there. The routes to Rollagstjønn and Bjønnhølet also start at the bygdetun, where parking is available. If you are considering different destinations for your stay, you can treat these routes as separate excursion options. Both routes start at the same place, but have different destinations.

Another circular walk leads to the Middelaldersenter and around Middelalderskogen in Rollag, by the Numedalslågen. The forest has workshops for blacksmithing and woodworking. The circular walk therefore offers a glimpse of traditional crafts. When choosing your excursions, you can distinguish between a walk through the Paradisgrenda area, routes to Rollagstjønn or Bjønnhølet, and Middelalderskogen with its workshops.

Paths from the bygdetun also lead in different directions: After crossing the old suspension bridge, paths continue to Idrettsskolen. Paths also follow the Lågen towards Holman Camping after crossing the bridge.

Choosing Rollag as a holiday destination

When searching for a holiday apartment in Rollag, the experiences you want to focus on can be a good starting point. Those interested in culture can include the stave church, the buildings and collections at the bygdetun, and local rose painting in their plans. The circular walks and paths described above offer options for spending time outdoors. If you are travelling with several interests in mind, you can spread the cultural destinations and different routes across your stay rather than treating them as a single experience.

The season can also play a role in your planning: Rollag church is open to visitors from 15 June to 15 August, while Toenstugu is regularly used in winter too. These different details can help you choose cultural sites and activities that suit your travel interests. You can also discover Veggli as another destination.

For the broader travel overview: Rollag.