.Date of Visit

May 2024

 
 

Norway


Hellesylt


Sunnylvsen Church




 


Summary

The Sunnylvsen Church in Hellesylt was constructed in exterior panelled timber in 1858. This replaced the church which was constructed after the previous one, that was located  nearby, was destroyed in an avalanche in 1727.  Since 1859 the building has undergone a number of additions, particularly in the 20th-century. 

 


Located in the village of Hellesylt, at the end of the Sunnylvsfjorden, Sunnylvsen Church is situated close to the waterfall overlooking the fjord.  

A church has existed in Hellesylt since the 12th century. The original church was probably a stave church, which is of post and lintel construction, which is a type of timber framing that uses posts to support lintels.  This church was located about 1 kilometre from the current one but was destroyed by an avalanche in 1727.  The church was replaced by a new building in a timber-framed cruciform design in the current location which is on a hill overlooking the village on the southwest side of the village.  It was consecrated in 1730.

In 1858 the church was torn down, with a new one being completed in 1859 to accommodate around 400 people. The small white timber church is in the long church style which consists of a single rectangular (elongated) room known as the nave. 


Constructed in exterior panelled timber, the church contains a tower, with a spire located at the end above the entrance, while all around is the graveyard with many interesting tombstones.  
 


 



Entry was through the West entrance.

 



On entry, the interior has a spacious light appearance with a flat timber ceiling, supported by columns.  It also has a low cross counter between the choir and the nave. The interior is painted in several shades of grey with detailing in a brown colour. 

 



The frame of the altarpiece is in carved wooden relief and was made by Ole Elias Kjellstad in 1934 and painted by Per Vigeland, who also painted the altarpiece depicting the Resurrection above the altar. 

 


The two glass windows in the choir were also made by Vigeland in 1934 and show comforting angels. In the 1970s, Ole Elias Kjellstad made a total of fourteen wooden reliefs for the church including the four evangelists mounted on the pulpit.

 


 
He also produced the apostles mounted in rectangular frames on the west wall.

 



These are situated below the gallery, on either side of the entrance door.

 


 
 

              All  Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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