Vangsnes: Cultural history on the Sognefjord

Vangsnes on the Sognefjord

Vangsnes is a flat, fertile peninsula on the southern shore of the Sognefjord, opposite the entrance to the Fjærlandsfjord. When arriving by ferry from Hella or Dragsvik, the statue of Fridtjov the Bold is visible above a few houses. Ferries from Vangsnes run to Hella and Dragsvik on the northern side of the Sognefjord. If you are travelling by ferry, check the timetable before departure.

The statue of Fridtjov the Bold

The statue was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II and was unveiled on 31 July 1913. It is 10.5 metres tall and stands on a 12-metre-high plinth; together, the statue and plinth reach 22.5 metres. The separate measurements give an impression of how the figure and plinth contribute to the monument’s total height. A small park beside the monument offers views of the Sognefjord.

Jekte building and inn history

Vangsnes was once a jekte-building centre in Sogn, where many jektes were built. The last jekte built in Vangsnes was the “Sognejenta” in 1914. It had a cargo capacity of 160 tonnes. The village also has a history as the site of an official inn: one was established on Vangsnes in 1733, with Johannes Markussen receiving the licence.

Vangsnes Church

Vangsnes Church is a wooden long church in Vangsnes. It was consecrated on 24 October 1861 and has 261 seats. It is located on a ridge. From the ridge, you can look north up the fjord towards the Fjærlandsfjord and Balestrand, and west down the fjord.

The altarpiece from 1891 depicts Jesus rescuing Peter from drowning. The church also preserves several items of remembrance from the former stave church: altar candlesticks, one of the chandeliers and an oil painting. There is also a coffin lid, found beneath the floor during restoration work in 1958. The church thus brings together an artwork, historic objects and a restoration find with a clearly documented date.

Churches in the wider destination of Vik

In the wider destination of Vik, the Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn dates from around 1130. Hove Stone Church in Vik has been dated to around 1170 and is one of Norway’s oldest stone churches. These two dates offer a historical comparison with Vangsnes Church, which was consecrated in 1861. The Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik also preserves the original narrow opening to the chancel. Along with its approximate dating to around 1130, this detail provides a clue to the spatial design of the church interior.

Groups visiting Hopperstad Stave Church should book in advance. Check the booking information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Fresvik, Viksøyri, Vik, Arnafjord, Feios.

Go to the wider travel overview: Vik.