Stave churches are old churches made of wood that were built during the medieval times. They are known for their special construction style called post and lintel, which uses wooden frames. Stave churches are found mostly in Northern Europe, and Norway has some of the most fascinating and well-preserved ones.
People visiting Norway can explore these stunning wooden churches that can be found all over the country, with many of them dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
10. Reinli Stave Church
The Reinli Stave Church, located in Oppland County, is a historic building from the 12th century. Interestingly, it was actually the third structure to be built on that same spot. What makes it unusual is that the previous structure was a pagan building, contrasting with the church’s religious nature.
While it appears more traditional compared to other stave churches in Norway, it still provides a fascinating insight into the past. In the 20th century, the church underwent renovations to modernize it, including the addition of electricity, lights, and heating.
9. Undredal Stave Church
The Undredal Stave Church was built in 1147 in the small village of Undredal, close to the Aurlandsfjorden. It is one of the smallest stave churches still in use in Norway, with only 40 seats. The building itself is quite small, measuring 4 by 12 meters (13 by 39 feet).
Over the years, the Undredal Church has been moved a few times, with some slight modifications made during these relocations.
8. Flesberg Stave Church
The Flesberg Stave Church is in Buskerud County and was built around the late 12th century. It underwent major renovations in the mid-18th century, so very little of the original structure remains. One unique feature of the church is the slate fence surrounding it, which has iron rings.
These rings were owned by local farmers who would tie their horses to them when they attended church in the past.
7. Hopperstad Stave Church
Just outside the small village of Vikøyri, you can find the Hopperstad Stave Church. This church was built almost 900 years ago, making it one of the oldest stave churches in Norway. Unfortunately, by the 19th century, the church had been left empty and neglected. Some of the wooden panels had even been taken off.
Luckily, someone bought the church and brought it back to its former glory. One notable feature of the church is its three main sections, known as a triple nave. Another interesting highlight is the altar, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
6. Heddal Stave Church
Heddal Stave Church, located in Norway, is the biggest stave church in the country. It was built around the early 13th century, and it has an interesting origin story. According to legend, the church, which is unusually large for a stave church, was constructed within a mere three days by five farmers from the local area.
While the truth of this story may be uncertain, it certainly adds to the church’s intrigue. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the exterior of Heddal Stave Church underwent restoration, while its interior went through significant changes during the 16th century under Lutheran control.
5. Urnes Stave Church
The Urnes Stave Church, built in the 12th century, is located in a beautiful setting with fjords and green fields. It is one of the oldest stave churches, connecting the Viking traditions with Western Christianity. Inside, you can see depictions of animals from both the Bible and Norse mythology.
Although the church is no longer used for regular services, the local community still holds special ceremonies like weddings and baptisms in this one-of-a-kind building.
4. Borgund Stave Church
Borgund Stave Church is a well-preserved church in Norway. It was constructed around 1180 to 1250 and has a unique basilica layout, with multiple roofs that hang over one another. While it is no longer used for religious practices, it is open to the public and functions as a museum.
Visitors will find fascinating inscriptions on the walls, thought to originate from the 13th century.
3. Gol Stave Church
The Gol Stave Church gets its name from its original location in Gol. However, it can now be found at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. Back in the day, the whole church was supposed to be replaced to make room for a new one, but King Oscar II stepped in and saved it.
The church stands out for its unique design, featuring several pitched roofs, which has impressed many people so much that they’ve made multiple copies of it. One of these replicas can even be found in North Dakota, America!.
2. Kaupanger Stave Church
The Kaupanger Stave Church, built in the 12th century, has been actively used by the local community for over 800 years, making it a valuable representation of their culture, history, and heritage. What makes this church unique is its abundance of staves or columns, distinguishing it from other older churches in Norway.
Unfortunately, during the 19th century, the church underwent significant renovations that altered its appearance drastically. Fortunately, in the 1960s, most of these unappealing changes were reversed, allowing the church to return to its original medieval form.
1. Roldal Stave Church
Røldal Stave Church is special because it is both a museum and a church. People come together on two Sundays every month to have religious services there. For the rest of the time, the church, which is from the 13th century, is open to the public and kept as a museum.
Inside, there are ancient wooden sculptures that show stories from the Bible, such as the Virgin Mary with her child and the Archangel Michael coming to Earth.
