The area around Sollia Church in the Atnedalen valley was settled at the end of the 17th century, initially by four families. Prior to that time, the area had been uninhabited. The road to the nearest church over the mountain to Ringebu was problematic, not least in the winter. After a winter when several people died on the way to the church, it was decided to build a new church at Sollia (or Setningsdalen, as it was originally called). It was built by Jon Jonsen without drawings and with building materials provided by the villagers. The church was consecrated on 7 September 1738. Throughout the 18th century, the population in the area increased. In 1770, another second floor seating gallery was built along the north wall, and in 1840 the church nave was extended to the west to accommodate more seating. Later, a sacristy was built on the east end of the building. In 1864, the windows were replaced with new, larger windows.[3][4]