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"The Churchyard by the Sea"

The cholera churchyard in Leirvåg is known as the "the Churchyard by the Sea" due to it being the inspiration for one of Fartein Valen's most famous compositions.

It was built due to the cholera epidemic in the nineteenth century, when the deceased had to be buried away from the rest of the population to contain the disease. These days cholera burial sites can be found almost exclusively in Sunnhordland and Sveio has two.

The cholera burial site in Leirvåg is one of them. It was restored in 2014.

How can I visit the churchyard?

The walk to Leirvåg starts at Nappabrua and takes approximately 20 minutes along a waymarked trail. Wooden boardwalks have been installed across wet sections of the path. Leirvåg can also be reached by boat, with opportunities to moor nearby.

(Hiking trail, swimming spot, cultural heritage site, recreational area)

Contact

Address:
  • 5554 Valevåg
Phone:
+47 53 74 80 00
Email:
postmottak@sveio.kommune.no
Website:
www.sveio.kommune.no

Where is "The churchyard by the sea"