Haukeli to Eidsborg to Kristiansand


    • Eidsborg Stavkirke - The Eidsborg Stave Church is believed to be built between 1250 and 1270 and is one of the best preserved examples of 28 protected stave churches in Norway this is quite a contrast to the Middle Ages when there were more than 1000 stave churches in the country. This unique building form is seen as Norway’s contribution to world architecture.  There are many interesting details to this church, such as runes, carvings, and interior décor from the 1600s and a bell tower from 1727.
  • Setesdal - we were expecting to drive home through Setesdal but got off on the wrong road somehow and ended up coming down through Telemark and Agder on rt. 355 instead of rt. 9.  Small road through the back mountains and countryside but very beautiful.

herd of al white cows, haven't seen this too often but now we know where white milk comes from




purple wild flowers are everywhere in the country and grow almost as tall as Mom




raising sheep is probably the largest farming  activity, the landscape is perfect for it and they need all the wool for winter clothing and beautiful Norwegian Sweaters



These buckle up seat belt reminders are very clever

Eidsborg Stavkirke








The Stavkirke sits looking over the beautiful valley of Eidsborg, just north of Dalen



just have to take another picture of the doorways




older headstones

gateway into the church grounds and cemetary


Brothers Muse who came from this village who became famous musically in the country.



Sitting at the top of Setesdal - The museum contained numerous grass roofed cabins dating back hundreds of years.





this is the outhouse - twin seater at that

These missionaries are nearly as old as the old cabins themselves

the carvings in the wood are amazing even on the foundation logs







still being actively lived in



one of the newer buildings - still in use




center pieces at the museum picnic tables were very clever.  hollowed out from stone




Village of Dalen coming down the mountain from Eidsborg








even the bus stop shelters have carry the grass roofed motiv

Every village has an old church as a centerpoint.  They are fascinating to see - used to be open when Dad first served but are now locked most of the day due to fear of vandalism 




We were glad we got on the wrong road for the country side was simply breathtaking.







first time we have seen the large herd of deer here in Norway.  Larger Red Deer not the smaller ones we usually see.  We were able to view them for a couple of minutes and then something spooked them and they took off running.

water levels are low this year.  Lots of snow in the winter - early spring but almost done and scorching heat since May. Close to 80 most days and with the humidity it is extremely hot for Norway.  Mom thinks it's just right . -- The Salmon won't be running until late if at all to spawn on the rivers this year due to low levels unless some rain starts to come.

beautiful little trail we hiked down to get to the falls on the salmon river below






closer to home outside of Birkeland where some of our members live.

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