Jelsa Church and School Museum

Jelsa has been voted the most idyllic town in Ryfylke, and for good reason! Jelsa stands out with its small, white wooden houses close to the fjord, and has a bustling life on good summer days. During a visit to Jelsa, you should take a trip to Jelsa church and school museum.

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Jelsa church was completed in 1647, but its history stretches all the way back to the Viking Age when Jelsa was a gathering point for religious sacrifices. On the site where the church stands today, there was also a stave church in the past, which is mentioned in basements as early as 1286. Today, Jelsa church is a beautiful wooden building, which has been given a completely unique touch by the surveying art of Gottfried Hendtzcel. The church roof is covered like a starry sky with thousands of stars that nicely complement the beautiful decorations on the walls, benches and decorations. The church is in use to this day, and is run by the Church in Suldal.

The school museum next to the church was built in 1774, and is one of the first school buildings in Ryfylke. The school was set up with funds from "Den Riibergske Stiftelse", which was established by Marcille Riiberg in 1755. The building was a school for young people who would later become teachers in the community school, and later the building functioned as a children's school. The last pupils graduated in the 20th century. Today the schoolhouse is owned by Ryfylkemuseet.

The church and the school house are open on regular days during the summer season. You can find opening times and prices in our event calendar under "What's happening". Outside opening hours, Jelsa Hotell offers guided tours for groups. Read more at jelsahotell.no.

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Jelsa church and the school museum

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