Myking on the Austfjorden: Church and Local History

Myking lies at the end of Hodnevika on the west shore of the Austfjorden, the innermost part of the Fensfjorden. The village has been a church site since 1330. Its history can be experienced through the present-day church, the older cemetery and an oak-wood crucifix. Together, these bring several layers of time into view at a place whose cultural features can be seen in specific buildings and sites of remembrance.

Church, organ and crucifix

The present-day Myking Church is a stone long church dating from 1861, designed by Christian H. Grosch. A long church is oriented lengthwise; the term describes its architectural form, while the year of construction and the architect place the building in its historical context. This connects the long church history dating back to 1330 with a specific 19th-century building. For families who enjoy comparing architectural forms and historical periods while travelling, this distinction offers an accessible starting point for conversation.

The present-day organ can also be described through specific features: Bruno Christensen & sønner built it in 1986. It has 23 stops, spread across three manuals and a pedalboard. Stops are selectable tone colours, manuals are the keyboards, and the pedalboard is played with the feet. These terms make the numbers easier to understand and draw attention to the different parts of the instrument.

The present-day church also contains an oak-wood crucifix, believed to date from the late Middle Ages. This object, probably from the late medieval period, offers a point of comparison with the 19th-century building. The local history thus brings together different periods: the church site established in 1330, the church from 1861 and a work of art whose dating is tentative.

Old cemetery and Munketrappene

The older cemetery lies about 300 metres west-northwest of the present-day Myking Church and cemetery. The surviving site is elongated, almost oval, and surrounded by a stone wall. The cemetery continued to be used after the church site was moved. Its location, shape and continued use offer different points of reference: the older site can be distinguished from the present-day church and cemetery location, while remaining part of the history of the church site.

The old Munketrappene in Myking have been restored. A route description published on 4 September 2025 gives an estimated duration of about 1 hour and 15 minutes at a relaxed pace for an announced hike over the Munketrappene and along the path by Kløvhamrane to the old cemetery. For this hike, the meeting point was at the steps; it was a 10- to 15-minute walk from the sports ground in Myking, where parking was available. The time and meeting-point details apply to the announced hike. Before making current plans, confirm the route, meeting point and parking situation locally.

Culture and choosing a holiday location

Myking Church is one of the churches in Lindås parish that can be hired in Alver for concerts and other cultural events. Myking’s cultural profile therefore includes not only architectural history and church objects, but also the possible use of the church for events.

When choosing a holiday location, you can weigh the local history against the route described for an announced hike as different interests. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, consider whether the history of the church and cemeteries or the hike description is the deciding factor. This way, your choice of destination reflects the experiences you would like to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vågseidet, Ostereidet, Hundvin, Eikangervåg, Alversund, Seim, Vikanes, Hjelmås

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