Søm Church

Søm Church (Norwegian: Søm kirke) is a modern parish church in Kristiansand, southern Norway. It stands in the Søm district of the Oddernes borough and belongs to the Church of Norway. Built of red brick in a fan-shaped plan, it has an interior shaped by a well-known Norwegian artist, which makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone curious about contemporary Scandinavian church design.

What is Søm Church?

Søm Church is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Kristiansand Municipality, Agder county. It serves the Randesund parish, part of the Kristiansand arch-deanery in the Diocese of Agder og Telemark. It is not a centuries-old landmark but an early 21st-century building that still works as a local parish centre.

When and by whom was it built?

The church was completed in 2004 and consecrated on 28 November 2004. It was designed by the architects Arild Lauvland and Arne Åmland. The need for a new church in Randesund parish was set out in an assessment from 1991 to 1993, and the site was tied to planned growth around Strømmen. In 1999, teams of artists and architects were invited to submit complete proposals covering both architecture and decoration. Twenty-seven teams applied, and the group of Lauvland, Åmland and artist Kjell Nupen won.

What does the building look like?

The church is made of red brick and laid out on a fan-shaped plan that draws the eye toward the altar. It seats about 450 people and can be expanded to around 650 when needed.

What art is inside?

All the artistic decoration in the worship space is by Kjell Nupen, including the granite altar and the baptismal font. The central feature is a vertical glass painting behind the altar that runs unbroken from floor to ceiling.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Søm Church? In the Søm district, Oddernes borough, in the city of Kristiansand in Agder, southern Norway.

Is it an old church? No. It was built in 2004 and has no heritage protection status.

How many people does it hold? About 450, expandable to roughly 650.

Who designed it? Architects Arild Lauvland and Arne Åmland, together with artist Kjell Nupen.

Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you enjoy contemporary church architecture and interior art. Check opening and service times beforehand, as it is an active parish church.