Gravhauger og bautastein i Etne

About

Few villages in the west of Norway have so many rich pre-historic burial mounds as the municipality of Etne. Contours of one of the largest burial grounds in the area are visible beside Stødle Church, where a 6-metre high stone monument known as Kirkehaugen stands on an incline in front of the church. According to legend, it was Erling Skakke, father of King Magnus Erlingsson, who in 1160 ad erected the oldest section of Stødle Church. The court of Stødle is named in the sagas as an important centre of power in viking times and in the Middle ages. However, the many burial mounds and rock carvings in the area reveal that the area was already of significance in the Bronze age. With a fantastic view over Etnefjord and village, it is well worth taking time to visit Stødle Church. The road is signposted from the centre of Etne and an information board is positioned beside the church.