Sør-Fron Church

This octagonal church was completed in 1792. It was built as the main church in Fron parish and accommodates 750 people. This unique church is built in louis seize-style, which has its origins from France just after 1750, and became popular in Norway a few decades later. The church tower stands in the center of the church and pilasters are found in the corners. The exterior of the church is whitewashed with blue pilasters and a green tower.

The cemetery is outlined with a wall of granite that also outlines the entrance to the church and thus creates a grand approach to the church. Many gravestones at the cemetary has been preserved. These stones are carved from soapstone, which was widespread used as gravestones in Fron in the period between 1800-1870. The stones are rich in detail and decor, some of them engraved with hymn verses and bibel quotes.

The parsonage which you pass on your way north along the trail was first described in 1360, under the name "Svahelle". The place was thus an important church location already in the late middle ages.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons