A stave church is a type of mediaeval church that was constructed out of wood. Post and lintel construction, which is a form of wood framing, is a typical example of this type of building.
The majority of stave churches may be found in Northern Europe, with Norway being home to some of the world’s most fascinating and well-preserved specimens of the architectural style.
The majority of Norway’s breathtaking stave churches were built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and tourists who spend time in Norway will have the opportunity to view many of these structures.
10. Flesberg Stave Church
Buskerud County is home to the Flesberg Stave Church, which dates back to the latter half of the 12th century and was built out of wooden staves.
In the middle of the 18th century, considerable changes were made to the manner the church was restored. As a direct consequence of this, very little of the structure is completely unique.
The slate fence that is fastened to iron rings and that is found all around the Flesberg Stave Church is one of the things that adds to the attraction of the structure.
In times past, each ring belonged to a different local farmer, and it served as a tying point for the farmer’s horse whenever he went to church.
9. The Church of the Gol Stave
The Gol Stave Church was at one time situated in the town of Gol, as the name of the church itself implies.
This stave church, on the other hand, may be seen in the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo at the present day.
Back a century ago, the entire building was supposed to be demolished to make room for a new church; however, King Oscar II made the decision to save it instead.
The distinctive architecture, which features a number of different pitched roofs, is so eye-catching that many copies have been manufactured. Even in the United States of America, one may be discovered in North Dakota!
8.Undredal Stave Church comes in at number.
The Undredal Stave Church was built in the year 1147 in the quaint little settlement of Undredal, which may be found directly on the shores of the Aurlandsfjorden.
This church belongs to the category of those in Norway that are among the tiniest of those that are still in use.
There are just forty seats available, and the floor design of the structure is a cramped four by twelve metres (13 by 39 feet).
Undredal, like many of the other mediaeval stave churches, has been moved multiple times and has frequently undergone alterations of a more subtle kind along the road.
7. The Church of the Roldal Staves
The Rldal Stave Church is a one-of-a-kind structure since, in modern times, it has been converted into both a museum and a working church. Rldal Stave Church has services for its congregation twice per month on the first and third Sundays of each month.
The remainder of the year, the building, which dates back to the 13th century, is preserved as a museum and is available to visitors.
The church’s interior is adorned with wooden carvings that date back to the 13th century and portray scenes from the Bible, such as the Virgin Mary pregnant with Jesus and the Archangel Michael visiting Earth.
6. Kaupanger Stave Church
The Kaupanger Stave Church, which dates back to the 12th century and has been in continuous operation for more than 800 years, is a wonderful illustration of the culture, history, and tradition of the surrounding area.
It is distinguished from other older churches in Norway by having a greater number of staves, which are also known as weight-bearing columns. The Kaupanger Stave Church saw significant changes over the 19th century as a result of repairs.
To our great relief, however, the majority of these unsightly alterations were reversed in the 1960s, resulting in the creation of an appearance for the church that more faithfully represents its mediaeval roots.
5. Reinli Stave Church
The Reinli Stave Church, which dates back to the 12th century and is located in Oppland County, is most likely the third building to have occupied that specific location.
The fact that the prior edifice was a pagan building, on the other hand, is rather uncommon, despite the fact that what you just read is not unique.
Even though it has a more conventional appearance than some of the other stave churches in Norway, the Reinli Stave Church is nonetheless an incredible window into the past.
The structure had various restorations in the 20th century, which resulted in modernizations such as the addition of electricity, lighting, and heating.
4. The Church of the Hopperstad Staves
The Hopperstad Stave Church may be found within a short distance from the little community of Vikyri.
The building is considered to be one of the earliest stave churches in Norway, having been constructed around the beginning of the 12th century. The church, on the other hand, had been deserted by the 19th century.
Even portion of the wooden cladding of the structure was taken off at some point. To our great relief, the church was eventually acquired and renovated.
The three aisles of the nave are still an essential component, as is the altar that is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3. The Church of the Urnes Stave
The Urnes Stave Church, which dates back to the 12th century, can be found in a magnificent setting, complete with fjords and fields of lush greenery.
Because it is one of the first stave churches, it acts as a bridge between the faiths practised by the Vikings and a Christianity increasingly prevalent in the West.
There is a significant amount of animal symbolism, part of which originates from the Bible while the remaining portion originates from Norse mythology.
Even though the church is not utilised for its traditional functions, the localities continue to have weddings and baptisms in the remarkable building.
2. Borgund Stave Church
It is possible that the Borgund Stave Church is one of the stave churches in Norway that has been kept the finest.
The Borgund Stave Church was constructed somewhere between the years 1180 and 1250, and it features what is known as a basilica layout. Additionally, it has multiple tiered, overhanging roofs.
Since the late 19th century, the church has not been utilised for its original function of providing religious services; instead, it has been converted into a museum that is open to the general public.
Visitors are sure to take special note of the inscriptions that can be seen on the wall. It is thought that these inscriptions date back to the 13th century.
1. The Church of Heddal Stave
The Heddal Stave Church is the largest of all the stave churches that can be found in Norway. Heddal was built in the beginning of the 13th century, and its beginnings may be traced back to some somewhat peculiar beginnings.
According to local folklore, the massive church, which took only three days to construct, was erected by five farmers from the area. Regardless of whether or not that is accurate, it lends a layer of mystery to the church.
The outside of Heddal was renovated in the 19th and 20th centuries, while the inside went through significant transformations in the 16th century when it was controlled by Lutherans.