Årdal Old Church (Årdal gamle kyrkje) in Hjelmeland

The church was built in three stages, the first stage in 1619. Later, as the church grew too small, one of the short walls was sawn out in order to lengthen the church. This explains its unusual shape. Inside, the church has many beautiful painted decorations of prophets, angels and flowers. The pulpit and the altarpiece were decorated by the church artist Godtfred Hendtzchel.

In order to differentiate the parishoners' varying wealth and position, the first pews were reserved for the wealthiest farms, elaborately decorated, with the name of these farms prominent.