Hestad Chapel stands firmly on the narrow strip of land that separates Lake Viksdalsvatnet from the Hestadfjord. Øyratangen, which today is a protected landscape area, is a sacred site with roots reaching far back in time. A standing stone from the Iron Age bears witness to pre-Christian use of the place. According to legend, a church stood here as early as the 12th century, but the first written source mentioning the church dates from 1327. In 1805, the old stave church was demolished and replaced by a new church building.
The chapel from 1805 has preserved much of its original appearance and materials, including posts and other remains from the earlier medieval church in the tower and the porch. The baptismal font also comes from the stave church; it is carved from soapstone and dated to the period 1250–1350.
Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet
If you are travelling along the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet, this is a wonderful place to stop. It is a beautiful cultural heritage site surrounded by an atmospheric old graveyard. Hestad rest area, located about 300 metres from the chapel, offers opportunities for swimming, barbecuing and picnicking in idyllic surroundings. Hestad Chapel is located about 9 km from the centre of Sande along county road FV610.
Guided tours and opening hours
The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments (Fortidsminneforeningen) has owned the cultural heritage site Hestad Chapel since 1917. The chapel is open to the public in July, and the romantic church is also a popular wedding venue that can be rented for weddings and other events.
Contact person for Hestad Chapel, and for booking guided tours for groups throughout the year, is Åshild Kjelstad Seljesæter.