📷 Photo by Arvid Høidahl on UnsplashHeddal Stave Church
Notodden, Norway
Norway’s largest stave church, a tiered wooden building from the 13th century beside the E134. Still used for services, so check before visiting on a Sunday.
Heddal Stave Church (Heddal stavkyrkje) in Notodden in Telemark is regarded as the largest stave church in Norway. The dating is not entirely certain: Wikipedia says it was probably built around 1200, Visit Norway gives the 13th century. According to the church, the building is 24 m long, 17 m wide and 29 m high, with three tall towers. It is made of pine heartwood and surrounded by a gallery with four portals and a runic inscription.
Inside, the posts carry 23 carved faces; a torch helps you see them. The Sigurd furniture shows motifs from the Sigurd saga; the bench and pulpit went to a museum in Oslo in 1882, and replicas were made in 2018 and 2019. Guided tours are included in the ticket and run about hourly in the main season, except during services. The church is not wheelchair accessible, but the barn with the café and exhibition is. Check times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Notodden, Norway
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 59.5796, 9.1762
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Notodden CampingCampsite2 km from Heddal Stave ChurchTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Bø CampingCampsite16 km from Heddal Stave ChurchTentsCaravans
- Åsgrav FamiliecampingCampsite19 km from Heddal Stave ChurchCaravans
- Max Kro & CampingCampsite21 km from Heddal Stave ChurchTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Norsjø FerielandCampsite22 km from Heddal Stave ChurchTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Sanda Camping og HytteutleieCampsite23 km from Heddal Stave ChurchTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedFree
All campsites in Norway · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Heddal Stave Church?
Heddal Stave Church is in Notodden, Norway, at GPS 59.5796, 9.1762. It is about 28 km from Kongsberg.
Can you camp near Heddal Stave Church?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Notodden Camping, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Heddal Stave Church?
Heddal Stave Church is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Telemark: canal locks, stave churches and Rjukan.
What is there to see near Heddal Stave Church?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gaustatoppen (42 km), Vemork (50 km), Vigeland Sculpture Park (94 km) and Vøringsfossen (143 km).
When is the best time to visit Heddal Stave Church?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)