Storhamar Church

Storhamar Church (Storhamar kirke) is a Church of Norway parish church in the town of Hamar, in Innlandet county, eastern Norway. A white concrete building on a rectangular plan, it dates from the 1970s and still serves the local congregation.

Where is Storhamar Church?

The church stands on the west side of Hamar, in a residential area. The parish acquired the site in 1971, and construction began a few years later. For a visitor it makes a worthwhile stop on a walk beyond the town centre, where Hamar's better-known attractions are concentrated.

Who designed it, and when was it built?

The architect was Willy Sveen. The church was built from concrete blocks in 1974-1975 and consecrated on 5 October 1975. Its form is simple: a rectangular volume with a bright white exterior. It is a typical example of the modest, functional church architecture that appeared in Norway in the second half of the twentieth century, a clear contrast to the country's older timber churches.

How big is the interior?

The church seats about 380 people. Some heritage records give 400 places, so treat the figure as approximate. It is a mid-sized building, suited to a neighbourhood parish.

What can you see inside?

The altarpiece is a batik titled "Kristus, verdens lys" (Christ, the Light of the World), made by Tove Tandberg Krafft, who also created the church's other textiles. The baptismal font is a stone slab taken from the ruins of Hamar's cathedral. This ties the modern interior to the oldest chapter of the town's history, since the cathedral stood there from the Middle Ages.

Which parish does it belong to?

Storhamar is one of the churches of the Hamar parish, part of the Hamar deanery (domprosti) in the Diocese of Hamar. The parish marked the church's 50th anniversary in 2025 with a jubilee publication.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Storhamar Church? Willy Sveen. One Norwegian register spells the name "Steen", but the other material, including the parish's own, gives Sveen.

When was it consecrated? On 5 October 1975.

How many people does it hold? About 380, or 400 according to other records.

What is it built from? Concrete blocks, with a white exterior.

Is it an active church? Yes. It is a working parish church of the Church of Norway, so access depends on services and the opening hours set by the parish. Check the Hamar parish website for current information before you go.