Historic churches in Setesdal

Historic Churches & Chapels

This collection features historic Lutheran places of worship throughout the Setesdal valley and the surrounding Agder region. The list highlights diverse architectural styles, including 19th-century cruciform and octagonal timber structures designed by prominent architects like Hans Linstow. Notable highlights include the 17th-century Bykle Old Church, renowned for its extensive traditional rosemaling, and several parish churches that serve as central cultural landmarks for the rural communities of Bygland, Valle, and Åseral.

Historic Churches & Chapels — Map

A

Bygland kyrkje

1838 cruciform timber church designed by architect Hans Linstow.

B

Valle kyrkje

1844 cruciform timber church. The site has been used for worship since the Middle Ages.

C

Bykle gamle kyrkje

Built around 1620, this timber building is the oldest church in Setesdal and is famous for its intricate 18th-century rosemaling (rose painting) interior.

D

Åknes Chapel

Åknes Church is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Åseral Municipality in Agder county, Norway.

E

Sandnes kyrkje

1844 octagonal timber church located in Bygland municipality.

F

Åseral kyrkje

1822 cruciform church built of wood, serving as the main parish church for Åseral.

G

Ljosland kapell

Wooden chapel built in 1959 to serve the mountain community of Ljosland.

H

Austad kyrkje

1880 long church constructed of wood, situated on the banks of the Otra river.

I

Årdal kyrkje

Octagonal timber church completed in 1828, featuring a distinctive white exterior and traditional design.

J

Hylestad kyrkje

1838 cruciform church in Valle, built to replace a much older stave church on the same site.

K

Evje kyrkje

1891 timber long church designed by architect Conrad Balthazar Christie, featuring a prominent tower.

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