Hopperstad Stave Church

Hopperstad Stave Church stands on a hillside above Vikoyri, in the municipality of Vik on the Sognefjord in Vestland, Norway. Dating from around 1130, it is a 12th-century stave church that closely resembles the better-known Borgund church but receives far fewer visitors. It was heavily restored in the early 20th century after a period when it was nearly demolished, and the work returned it to a form close to its medieval appearance. The church has the characteristic dark timber frame, stepped shingled roofs, and gables with carved dragon heads, and the interior is a small, dim nave with tall wooden masts, a carved portal and a medieval chancel screen. The setting is a quiet churchyard on a slope above the village with views toward the fjord. The best photograph comes from the lower side of the churchyard, which frames the stepped roofline with the surrounding trees. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and a guided tour in season explains the construction and history. The church is generally open in summer months, with limited hours outside the season, so checking the opening times before the trip is advisable. Admission is charged during open periods. Crowds are rarely an issue, and even in July and August the church is calm compared with the heavily visited stave churches of the region. It sits within easy reach of Vik village, and is a natural stop on a drive along the Sognefjord, often combined with a visit to the Fjaerland and Balestrand area.