Vilnes church
Fjords, NorwayVilnes church on the island of Atløy is a beautiful Medieval church in wood from 1674 and the oldest wooden church in Sunnfjord. It is thought that Vilnes was historically a sacrificial site. Three large menhirs nearby the church may have been used for sacrifices. There is a legend surrounding these menhirs involving a woman called Jorunn in Alden, who planned to get married in Vilnes church. The legend has it that the three trolls - Trond of Alden, Sjur of Atløynipa and Mass of Einingsfjellet - threw large boulders down to crush the church. However, the boulders missed their mark and were left standing in the field to the west of the church. It is a strange sight to see how the position of the three menhirs together with the church actually represents a crucifix. There is also a relatively small stone cross nearby the church in Vilnes. This comes from the stone quarry in Hyllestad.
Destination
The Fjord Coast and Sunnfjord
Country
Norway
Type of experience
Culture
Best time to visit
- Winter
- Spring
- Autumn
- Summer
Nearby stations
- Førde Airport
- Florø Airport
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