Tuesday, August 25, 2026
As we crossed the country from Oslo to Roldal the landscape changed dramatically.
There was work going on that created one lane roads and stoppages along the route.
On the way, we stopped at the Heddal Stave Church, built in the medieval time, around 1250, in a little town of Notodden. A stave church is built using tall pine pillars (staves) for support. There are only about 28 stave churches left, and this is the largest.
Intricate carvings surrounded the interior and exterior.
The walls were painted with hidden designs and symbols
The most amazing thing is that these churches were built without nails!
Even more amazing is the headstone that we found in the graveyard next to the church....a long lost relative? Adoph Charles Lund. (Jim's great grandfather was named Charles.) The dates don't match up, so probably not related, but what are the chances of finding a tombstone with a family name on it?
We even saw snow at the top of the mountains!
We arrived at the next campground in the little town of Rodal and found another stave church within walking distance. Out of 28 remaining stave churches, we have now seen two!
The campground was nestled in between the mountains in a beautiful setting. There was a sauna, similar to the floating saunas we saw in Oslo, heated with a woodburning stove.
After the sauna, you're supposed to go jump into the cold river below. This guy came out of the sauna and smoke was rolling off his body. He jumped in the water and we all cheered.
We had a campfire by the river, sharing stories about all the trips we've been on.
And then settled in for the night...
Even the graveyard was beautiful, with flowers planted next to the headstones.
As we continued on to Rodal, the views were stunning.
Love the campfire along the river scene!
ReplyDeleteThe church is beautiful!
ReplyDelete