If you’re thinking of visiting Norway, you should check out some of the most historic churches in the country. We’ll tell you about Hedalen stave church, Vagan church, Lom church, and Granvin church. All are well-worth the time and money, and will make for an excellent visit.
Hedalen stave church
Located in Notodden, Telemark, Heddal stave church is one of Norway’s largest churches. It is 25 metres long, 17 metres wide, and 29 metres high. Constructed between the years 1000 and 1050 AD, Heddal stave church is still a functioning parish church. Built with pre-Christian and Christian motifs, it is a stunning example of Norwegian architecture. It is open to visitors for guided tours from June to September.
The interior of the Hedalen stave church is remarkably well preserved. Most of the objects inside the church date to the Middle Ages. While the Reformation removed all Catholic objects from churches, this one was saved. It has a crucifix from 1270 and a Madonna sculpture from 1250. Unlike many churches in Norway, this one does not have a typical shingled roof, but it has maintained many of its medieval features, including the richly ornamented front portal.
Granvin church
Granvin Church is located on the eastern shore of the Voss Bay in the county of Vestland, Norway. It is a typical example of an early 18th century church, with elaborate decorations. Built in 1726, the church seats about 300 people. It has been listed for preservation since 2012. The church is also part of a historic landscape.
It is also a popular concert venue and tourist attraction. It has an impressive white triangular building with a large cross in the center. There are eleven aluminum-coated concrete panels lining the interior of the building. The architect, Jan Inge Hovig, designed the church as an icon, and the result is a building worthy of a visit.
Vagan church
The Vagan church is marketed as the cathedral of Lofoten. Built in 1898, this church seats about 1,200 people. Its interior has pointed arches and Swiss-style carvings. Its altar was relocated from a former parish church. Its interior is reminiscent of the cathedrals of Switzerland. Its architectural details make it one of the best churches in Norway.
The church was originally a timber-framed building with a steeple and a cemetery. It was used for nearly a century before being replaced by a new one. It was completed in the early 20th century with electricity, heating, and lights.
Lom church
Lom church is the parish church of the Church of Norway. It is located in the village of Fossbergom in the traditional district of Gudbrandsdal. It is a part of the Nord-Gudbrandsdal prosti of the Diocese of Hamar.
Lom church is located approximately four hours north of Oslo and six hours northeast of Bergen. It is a short drive from the Jotunheimen national park, where you can see Norway’s tallest mountain, Galdopiggen. Another great place to visit is Kaupanger Stave Church, which is located along the Sognefjord.
Lom church is one of Norway’s oldest and largest stave churches. The church was built around 1158 and was later expanded into the present cruciform shape. It is still in use today as a parish church and contains interesting artifacts and runes.
Reinli stave church
If you’re looking for one of the oldest churches in Norway, you’re in luck. Reinli stave church is more than 1000 years old. Radiocarbon dating indicates that it was built sometime between the tenth and thirteenth centuries. Before the church was built, there were two pagan temples on the same spot. One of them was destroyed or burned, while the other one was rebuilt. Although the exact date of construction is unknown, the church is believed to be as close to its original configuration as possible.
Another great church in Norway is the Borgund stave church. This church is the most authentic and visited of all the stave churches in Norway. It is located near Laerdal at the eastern end of the Sognefjord. It is home to a visitor center, where you can learn more about the history of Norway’s stave churches. It also includes an exhibit about Viking era finds. The church is particularly interesting due to its intricate door carvings.