Undredal by the Fjord
The village of Undredal is home to 112 people. At least, that was the population in 2001. There’s little reason to believe the number has grown significantly in this tiny hamlet nestled by the idyllic Nærøyfjord.
The fjord is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and tourist ferries from “Norway in a Nutshell” glide past on shimmering waters all summer long. The ferry stops “on demand,” so if you’re heading to Undredal without a car, it’s wise to ask the ferry to make a stop.
Read more about our “Norway in a Nutshell” tour here.
Stave church
In the village, you’ll find the smallest stave church in Scandinavia still in use. It can accommodate only 40 people. During the summer, you can enjoy a guided “tour” of the church.
The church is first mentioned in a document from 1321. However, it has been assumed that the church was built in 1147, as this year is carved on a beam inside the church. The date is written in Arabic numerals, which were not commonly used in Norway until the 14th century. Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland suggested in 1902 that the date should be read as 1447. Regardless, the church is ancient, and it is believed to date back to the late 12th century.
On the north side of Sognefjord, in another fjord arm, you’ll find the charming Walaker Hotel.
Goat Cheese
In addition to the stave church, Undredal is famous for its goat cheese. They produce both white and brown goat cheese. You can purchase the brown cheese from Undredals Stølsysteri online, at the shop in Undredal, and at Eldhuset by the pier during the summer.
Down at the pier, you can learn more about the famous cheese while enjoying delicious food with a view of the World Heritage landscape and the fjord beyond. They also sell other goat products like sausages and skins.
These goats are not from Undredal, although the cheese is. Goats are incredibly fun animals, and it’s always enjoyable to stop and watch them, whether you’re young or old! You can read more about these goats located in Sollia, near Rondane.
We have stopped in Undredal on the drive from Oslo to Bergen. The descent is located between Flenjatunnelen, just after Flåm, and Gudvanga-tunnelen, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t pay attention.
If you have the time and the weather is nice, it’s absolutely worth the trip. If for no other reason than to see the church and buy some cheese to take home.
