Ulvik municipality was established in 1891, when Granvin was divided into Ulvik, Granvin, and Eidfjord. At the start of the 20th century the village was gearing up to become an industrial town with a hydroelectric power plant in the Osa mountains, but efforts were finally halted during World War II. Since then, the town has experienced continual cultural and economic growth, but the traces of the past live on.

Ulvik Church

The cruciform church in Ulvik town center was consecrated in 1859, including several pieces from the 17th century on display. The church was one of the few places left untouched during the bombing of the town during the Second World War and has preserved several pieces of cultural heritage from the previous village churches. Some of the pieces available for viewing include an altar frontal from 1250 (believed to be one of the oldest in Norway!) and an altarpiece from 1630. The interior is rose-painted by local artist Lars Osa in the 1920s. The old church bell that rung during the war is also on display. For more information, contact Ulvik Sokneråd.

Village mill Skeie-Mylna

The old village mill Skeie-Mylna is situated by the stone bridge and river Tysso and is one of the few remaining traditional village mills in the region. The mill was built during the 1600s and used the river current of Tysso to power the millstones. In later years, the mill has been fully restored and is now open to the public. You may see the turbines at work on the ground floor, and experience the whole process from grain to finely ground flour. For more information and viewings, please contact Skeie-mylna.

The Mindelheim sword and bridal bunad

In the 19^th century, a sword was found in a mountain crevice at Lekve by a local boy. This sword is one of the nine remaining swords of its kind in Northern Europe and most likely originates from the Bronze Age. The original is held at Bergen Museum, but archaeologist Ørjan Engedal created a replica for display at Handelslaget (within the Tourist Information Office) in Ulvik. The shop also features the bridal bunad (a bunad is a traditional local costume worn during special occations). The bunad was created in 1934–37 by local women organized in Ulvik Konelag. It is comprised of nine pieces and has been a part of nearly two hundred weddings over the years. The pieces include a crown in gilded silver, the main dress piece, the undershirt with black embroidery along the collar and an embroidered chestpiece. For more information and viewing, please visit Ulvik Tourist Information.

Tunheim

Grave tombs from the Iron Age have been discovered in Tunheim, and it has gained a protected status under the Cultural Heritage Act. Coal pits used to produce coal have also been discovered in the area.

Osa Powerplant

Osa Fossekompani started developing Osa in 1917, intending to establish an industrial town fit for 5000 inhabitants powered by a hydroelectric power plant. Tunnels in the mountainside were carved out to lead water to the turbines, but progress was halted due to a lack of funds. The work resumed in 1940 under the German Wehrmacht, which aimed to build both a power plant and an aluminium smelter. Shortly after, the progress was halted again and never resumed. If you want to explore the tunnels in the Osa mountainside, contact B-Nature.