Vågåmo

In Vågåmo, a medieval church, historic farm buildings and places from Edvard Munch’s life tell the story of the area’s cultural history. At the same time, you can choose between a stroll through the centre, a longer route and experiences in Vågå Municipality. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these different highlights can help you decide which discoveries you want to shape your trip.

Church and open-air museum

Vågå Church stands in the centre. Dating from 1130, it is a medieval church from the 12th century. It was renovated between 1625 and 1630 and is automatically protected under Section 4 of Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act. Edvard Munch’s ancestors also served as clergy here. The church thus connects local history with a family history that can be traced at other places in Vågåmo.

The Jutulheimen open-air museum is situated above Vågåmo and offers views of the centre. The site includes nine historic wooden buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. They come from various farms in Vågå. The buildings and exhibitions are open in summer by appointment. Please take this into account when planning your visit rather than assuming you can enter without an appointment.

Ullinsvin and traces of Munch

The old vicarage Ullinsvin stands on a small hill near the centre of Vågåmo. Edvard Munch’s paternal family came from here and lived in the vicarage for more than 80 years. Ullinsvin comprises 13 buildings in total, most of which are protected. They are arranged around an inner and an outer courtyard. In the historic vicarage garden, you can see a herb garden, perennial flower beds, a rose bed and a rock garden. A bust of Edvard Munch by Jo Visdal also stands there.

In Ullinsvin’s digital sensory room, children and young people can interpret Munch’s artworks independently using specially adapted drawing software and VR technology. This offers a different way to engage with art than viewing historic buildings or gardens. Completed in 2019, Galleri Ullinsvin aims to showcase art, culture and history from both earlier and more recent times. At Café Edvard, part of the menu is based on recipes by Christine Storm Munch; the lemon tart is especially popular.

Munch trails and excursions

The Munch Trail runs for 53.9 kilometres from Bessheim to Vågåmo and is also suitable for cycling. Along the way, 22 information boards tell visitors about Edvard Munch’s art and life. The stated total distance is an important point of reference when planning your day. A Munch hike begins in the centre of Vågåmo and ends at the Jutulheimen open-air museum. A Munch walk through the centre features episodes from the audio drama “Oldemors portrett” (“The Great-Grandmother’s Portrait”) along the way. Each offers a different experience: a long trail, a hike with a specified starting point and destination, and a walk accompanied by audio drama episodes.

In Vågå Municipality, the Dagsturhytta is also an accessible hiking destination for the whole family. If you are travelling with children, you can include this excursion in your plans as another option alongside the arts and cultural sites. This offers a different focus from the Munch sites in the centre of Vågåmo.

Flying and local legends

Vågåmo is a centre for hang gliding and paragliding. The national centre for these sports is 2.5 kilometres east of the centre. It includes the main take-off site at Vole, which faces south and is 720 metres above the landing site outside the centre. These details make flying a clearly defined option for visitors interested in hang gliding or paragliding.

Jutulporten, a natural formation associated with the legend of the Jutul and Johannes Blessom, is also situated above Vågåmo. Together with the church, vicarage and open-air museum, it offers a way to explore the area’s history and stories. National Road 15 also passes through Vågåmo, running from Otta via Stryn to Måløy. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you want to focus on the cultural sites in the centre, the longer Munch Trail, family outings in the municipality or flying.

If you would like to explore more local pages, you can find Lalm, Tessanden and Vågå here.

Back to the main travel overview: Vågå.