Holvikejekta – Stave church of the sea

Holvikejekta in Sandane, Nordfjord, is the only large open clinker-built jekt still existing in Norway. Here, you can experience the past by letting your senses be awakened by authentic scents from a bygone era. With the help of ramps along the walls of the building, you can view both below and above deck on the vessel. The exhibition building is located just west of Sandane town centre.

The jekt is built using the same clinker technique as Viking ships. The boat dates back to 1881 and bears witness to the important trade that once took place between Nordfjord and Bergen along the west coast of Norway. Holvikejekta was used to transport firewood and timber to Bergen, and on the return journey it carried fine flour, sugar, clothing and other goods from the city.

Holvikejekta is 20 metres long and 8.6 metres wide, and was one of the largest vessels of its kind. Of the many large jekts that once operated along the Norwegian coast, Holvikejekta is the only one preserved in its original condition. In the same building, you will also find an exhibition of traditional Nordfjord boats, and you can learn about the 1,000-year-old boatbuilding history of Nordfjord. Various types of boats are still built in the Nordfjord region today.

Season

2 May – 30 September (Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00–16:00)

Holvikejekta is closed for the season from 1 October to 1 May, but is open for groups on request throughout the year. Please visit the website for opening hours and more information.

Accessibility

The museum has designated parking spaces for visitors with reduced mobility near the entrance. The building is universally designed and has an elevator. However, there is no hearing loop system. There are also no tactile guiding lines or orientation features for visitors with visual impairments.

Just a five-minute drive from the jekt, you will find Nordfjord Folk Museum, where you can experience a journey through Nordfjord’s history. Admission here is included in the ticket to Holvikejekta.

Sandane has much to offer, and we recommend a walk in Trivselsskogen forest and a meal at Gloppen Hotel, which is well known for its excellent local cuisine.