Undredal: Stave Church, Goat Cheese and Hiking Trails

Undredal combines a distinctive local history with insights into the goat cheese tradition and a variety of ways to spend your stay. The village lies within the Nærøyfjord World Heritage area. A stave church still in use, exhibitions about cheesemaking, and activities on foot or on the water give a trip here several different highlights.

Stave Church and Local History

Undredal’s stave church was built around 1147 and is the smallest stave church in Scandinavia still in use. Those interested in historic churches will find a tangible connection here to the village’s history. Explore Undredal offers a village tour that includes a visit to the stave church. The tour brings together stories about local life and the history of the church. The houses in Undredal stand close together; this close-knit layout is also part of the village’s character.

The Eldhuset visitor centre offers further insights into local history and cheesemaking. Its exhibitions show the cheesemaking and cheese-maturing processes. This allows visitors to explore Undredal beyond its church and local history, and learn about another tradition that defines the village.

Goat Cheese and Local Tradition

Undredal Stølsysteri BA was Norway’s first goat cheese dairy to receive full approval to produce and sell white and brown goat cheese throughout Europe. This distinctive status makes the dairy a prominent part of the local cheese-making history. Undredal Brygge is also connected to this tradition: it has a restaurant and a centre showcasing local goat cheese production and summer-farm life. The exhibitions at Eldhuset and the centre at Undredal Brygge offer different ways to learn more about cheesemaking and summer-farm life.

Hiking and Water Activities

For outdoor exercise on land, Undredal has hiking trails through both gentle and steep terrain. From 17 May, Explore Undredal also offers an easy hike to a summer farm, where visitors may encounter goats. The two hiking options differ in their described terrain and destination: those who want to combine an easy hike with a visit to a summer farm can consider the tour from the stated date; the other trails also include steep terrain.

The water is also a highlight among the activities in this fjord village: kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are among the special activities offered in Undredal. There is also a sandy beach in the village centre for swimming. Those who would rather focus their trip on activities on the water or a swimming stop will find different options here than on a day spent hiking or exploring local history. Norway’s Best has boats dock in Undredal.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Undredal is accessible by bus from Flåm or Aurland. If you are travelling by car, note that the road down to Undredal is narrow. It can be difficult to pass oncoming cars or turn around in the village centre. Motorhomes not travelling to the campsite are advised against driving to Undredal. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, also consider how you plan to get there and which of the village’s different attractions are most important for your trip.

For more village guides, you can also explore Stålheim, Flåm, Aurland, Gudvangen, Finse and Aurlandsvangen.

Return to the main travel overview: Aurland.