Lothepuskirka

The “Stave Church” of Odda – A Modern Viking Dream

You are riding along road Rv 13. The road hugs the shore of the Sørfjord – an arm of the Hardanger fjord. You pass through the industrial town of Odda. Then, you see something truly unexpected. A dark, wooden building stands proudly by the road. Fierce dragon heads stare down from the roof. It looks every bit like a Viking-era stave church. But something is different. The wood is too fresh. The lines are too perfect.

You have just found one of Norway’s most debated buildings – Lothepuskirka. This is the famous creation of a local legend. It is a structure born from passion and pure grit. But it raises a fun question for any visitor. Is this really a stave church? Or is it something else entirely? The answer depends on who you ask. And the story behind it is as good as the building itself. This is a must-see stop in Hardanger.

A Church or Not a Church? That is the Question

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter. The man who built it calls it a stave church. He poured his heart, soul, and money into it. However, cultural heritage experts disagree. They have looked at the blueprints. They have studied the construction. And their conclusion is clear. Technically, this is not a stave church. A little debate makes the visit more interesting!

So, what is the difference? A true stave church has a specific building technique. Its name comes from the large posts, or staver. These vertical staves are the building’s main load-bearing skeleton. They hold up the entire roof structure. The walls are just panels fitted between them.

Lothephuskirka in Odda is constructed differently. It is a magnificent example of a log building (laftebygg). The walls are made of massive, horizontal logs. These logs are notched and interlocked at the corners. The walls themselves bear the weight of the structure. It is a traditional and sturdy Norwegian building method. But it is not the stave method. The experts say it’s a tribute, not a replica. It’s a fantastic log building with stave church style.

The Man Behind the Dream

So who would build such a magnificent, debated structure? You need to meet Leif Einar Lothe. He is better known across Norway as “Lothepus.” He is a contractor, a musician, and a TV personality. Lothepus starred in the popular show “Fjorden Cowboys.” He is famous for his no-nonsense attitude, and he is a man who gets things done his own way.

Lothepus is a true Hardanger original. He embodies the spirit of the region. He is resourceful, hardworking, and a little rebellious. When he wanted a grand feasting hall, he didn’t half-do it. He decided to build his own stave church, and used his skills as a contractor and his deep pockets. He hired the best woodcarvers to add the details. The result is this stunning building by the fjord.

So, when the experts point out the technical details, Lothepus just smiles. He built it. He can call it what he wants. This defiant spirit is part of the building’s charm. It is a monument to a man’s vision. A place where friends can gather. It is a modern Viking hall for a modern Viking.

The Perfect Photo Stop

For any motorcycle rider, this building is a gift. It is located right beside road Rv13. This is a major route through the heart of Hardanger. You cannot miss it as you drive south of Odda. It is easily accessible and safe to pull over. You can park your bike and take some amazing photos.

Imagine your motorcycle parked in front of it. The dark wood and dragon heads create a powerful backdrop. It is a picture that tells a unique story. It’s not an ancient relic from a thousand years ago. It is a living, breathing piece of modern Norwegian culture. It shows that the Viking spirit is still alive and well.

Adding it to Your Route

This stop fits perfectly into any Hardanger itinerary. It is just a few minutes from the centre of Odda. This makes it a great starting point or ending point for a day’s ride. You are close to many other iconic attractions. The famous Låtefossen waterfall is just a short ride south. The stunning Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger is all around you. You can easily combine this stop with a trip towards Røldal or the Folgefonna glacier. You are also close to both Steindalsfossen, Vøringsfossen and the great mountain road Osafjellet.

The site is actually a camp ground, and the ‘church’ is a restaurant, so if you like, you can stay the night.

So, is it a real stave church? Maybe not to the historians. But it is an amazing piece of craftsmanship. It’s a building with a great story and a bold creator. For us bikers, it’s a landmark. It’s a fantastic sight and a perfect photo opportunity. Add it to your bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.

YouTube video by Tonggo Traveller