Sacred Monuments in Norway
A guide to 67 Sacred Monuments in Norway — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 35 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Innset Church, Munkeby Abbey, Gravberget Church.
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Gløshaug Church
Grong
Gløshaug Church is a red wooden church in the village of Gartland, in Grong Municipality, Trøndelag county, central Norway. It was built in 1689 in the long church style. It is one of two churches in the Harran parish, part of the Namdal deanery in the Diocese of Nidaros. It seats about 100 people, which makes it a small rural place of worship rather than a grand monument. What is a long church, and why visit this one? The long church is a plain building type that was common in 17th-century Norway: an elongated body, a single nave and a clearly separated chancel. Gløshaug is a well-preserved example. Outside, the red timber walls stand out against the green valley. Inside, the bare, unpainted log walls and much of the original furnishings survive, so visitors get a real sense of what an old country parish looked like. What is the history of the site? The spot was in use as a holy place long before the present building. According to Norwegian local-history sources, a stave church stood here earlier, dated by tree-ring analysis to 1155. Parts of it, including a sill beam and several staves, were found beneath the current church. The site was also a meeting place between South Sami people and Norwegians, used for trade and worship. In February 1689, Provost Peder Resen applied to pull down the old, dilapidated stave church. Permission was granted and work on the new church began the same year. A few sources give the date as around 1690, but 1689 is the usual figure. How did the church escape demolition? In 1874 a new parish church opened at Fiskem, and tearing down Gløshaug to salvage the materials was considered. That was prevented by a Welsh sport fisherman, Thomas Merthyr Guest, who bought the building. After his death in 1904 his widow owned it, and in 1908 she transferred it to Helmer P. Gartland, owner of the farm on whose land it stands. It later passed to the Harran parish council. What can you see inside? unpainted timber walls, galleries from the 1820s, a crucifix from the 13th century, altarpiece doors from a late medieval altar. Frequently asked questions Where is Gløshaug Church? In Gartland, Grong Municipality, Trøndelag, Norway, at roughly 64.53 N, 12.40 E. When was it built? In 1689, on the site of an earlier 12th-century stave church. How many people does it hold? About 100. Which parish does it belong to? The Harran parish, in the Namdal deanery of the Diocese of Nidaros, Church of Norway. Is it worth the trip? Yes, if you like old wooden churches, South Sami history and quiet places off the main tourist routes. A visit is short, but the bare timber interior and its old fittings feel authentic. Check beforehand whether the church is open to visitors, since as a working parish church its access hours may be limited.
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Manglerud Church
Oslo
Manglerud Church (Norwegian: Manglerud kirke) is a parish church in Oslo, built in the early 1960s for the residents of the Manglerud district. It was designed by architect Carl Corwin and is a functionalist building, with concrete walls, a slate saddle roof, a tall and steeply pitched interior, and a slender bell tower that stands apart from the main building. Where is Manglerud Church? The church sits in south-eastern Oslo, directly above the E6 highway and the metro line at Ryen Station. It stands on the south side of the highway on higher ground, so it is easy to spot from below. The tall roof and the separate bell tower make its outline easy to recognise from metro trains and from the road. Getting there by public transport is simple, since the metro station is right next door. When was it built? The Manglerud parish was split off from Østre Aker at the start of 1959. Before it had its own church, the congregation met in the Breidablikk building on Høyenhallsveien, owned by the KFUK-KFUM youth organisations. Construction ran from 1962 to 1963, and the church was consecrated in December 1963. The Bishop of Oslo, Johannes Smemo, led the service on the second Sunday of Advent. What is inside? The main church seats 400 people. An adjoining church hall holds 200, and a smaller hall holds 50. The building also includes a small chapel, a baptismal sacristy and a youth activity room. Corwin designed more than the building itself: he also shaped the pulpit and the baptismal font. In the choir area, a window about 15 metres tall draws the eye. The 32-stop pipe organ was built by J. H. Jørgensen Orgelfabrik. What is the neighbourhood like? Manglerud was built up mostly between 1952 and 1963 as one of Oslo's post-war satellite districts. The church was completed at the end of that period and became a gathering place for the local community. Today it serves as the parish church of the Manglerud congregation, and its halls are used for parish gatherings of various kinds. Frequently asked questions Is Manglerud Church a parish church? Yes. It is the parish church of the Manglerud congregation in Oslo. How many people does it hold? The main church has 400 seats. Together with the 200-seat hall and the 50-seat hall, the complex offers about 650 places. Who designed it? Architect Carl Corwin, who also designed the pulpit and the baptismal font. How do I get there? The easiest way is the metro to Ryen Station. The church lies close by, above the E6 highway and the tracks. What stands out from the outside? The tall, steep slate roof and the slender bell tower standing separately from the nave. When was it consecrated? In December 1963, on the second Sunday of Advent.
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Høyjord stave church
Høyjord
Høyjord Stave Church (Høyjord stavkirke) is a medieval wooden church in the village of Høyjord, in Sandefjord Municipality, Vestfold county, southern Norway. It is the only stave church in Vestfold, and one of just three surviving center-post churches in the whole country. For anyone interested in timber architecture or Scandinavian medieval history, it is a worthwhile detour. What makes Høyjord different from other stave churches? Stave churches are wooden buildings raised in Norway during the Middle Ages, built around a frame of upright posts. Høyjord stands out for its central post supporting the roof, a rare arrangement in Norway. The dark brown timber building is still an active parish church of the Church of Norway. It serves the Høyjord parish, part of the Sandefjord deanery in the Diocese of Tunsberg, and seats around 150 people. When was Høyjord church built? Sources give different dates because the church grew in stages. The chancel is the oldest part and dates from the 12th century. The nave is younger, from the second half of the 13th century. Popular accounts often place the church around the year 1300, linking parts of it to the 1100s and to 1275. The original architect is unknown. Rebuilding and restoration The church was rebuilt in the 17th century, which altered some of its original appearance. A thorough restoration took place around the middle of the 20th century. It was completed in 1953 under architect Otto L. Scheen. As a result the building keeps its medieval character and counts among the region's most valuable historic monuments. Where does the name Høyjord come from? The village is named after the old Høyjord farm. Its Old Norse form, Haugagerði, refers to a fenced area containing burial mounds, which hints that the site mattered long before the church was built. Planning a visit Høyjord lies inland within Sandefjord Municipality, so a car is the easiest way to reach it, and the stop pairs well with a day exploring the town and the Vestfold coast. Because it is a working church, check opening hours for the interior with the parish or Visit Vestfold beforehand. The exterior and surroundings can be enjoyed in any season. Frequently asked questions Is Høyjord the only stave church in Vestfold? Yes, it is the only surviving one in the county. How many people does it seat? About 150. Is it still in use? Yes, it is an active parish church of the Church of Norway. Who designed it? The medieval architect is unknown. The restoration of the 1950s was led by Otto L. Scheen. What is a center-post church? A church whose roof is carried by a single central post inside the building. Only three such churches survive in Norway, Høyjord among them.
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Torshov Church
Oslo
Torshov Church in Oslo Torshov Church (Torshov kirke) is a Church of Norway parish church at Åsengata 19 in the Sagene borough of Oslo. It was consecrated on Pentecost Sunday, 25 May 1958. It stands as a notable example of postwar church architecture in Norway, and the Norwegian local history wiki describes it as the country's first modern working church. Where is the church, and what is Torshov like? Torshov is a residential neighbourhood north of Grünerløkka, within the Sagene borough. Its main street is Vogts gate, lined with a handful of coffee shops, restaurants and cafes. The tram line between Majorstuen and Kjelsås serves the area. Torshov public school dates from 1878, and the local sports club is Skeid Fotball. The church sits on Åsengata, in a quiet part of the district, so a visit pairs easily with a stroll around the neighbourhood and a coffee on Vogts gate. How did the church come about? Torshov became its own congregation in 1930, split off from Sagene. For years the parishioners used nearby Lilleborg church because they had no building of their own. An architectural competition was announced in 1946, yet twelve more years passed before the church was consecrated. The winning architects were Ulf Nyquist and Per Sunde. What does the building look like? According to Norwegian sources, the church is a concrete structure. Its defining features are a pointed roof clad in copper and low walls faced with marble. A freestanding bell tower was added beside it in 1963. The church room seats about 400 people, a fitting size for a large neighbourhood congregation. What is inside? The interior is marked by painted glass panels along the long walls of the nave. Artist Frithjof Tidemand-Johannessen was responsible for the decoration, but he completed only three of the twelve panels. After his death, Jardar Lunde made the remaining nine, so the cycle carries two hands yet reads as a single whole. The church has two organs, both built in 1958 by J.H. Jørgensen. Frequently asked questions When was Torshov Church consecrated? On 25 May 1958, Pentecost Sunday. Who designed it? Ulf Nyquist and Per Sunde, winners of the architectural competition announced in 1946. How many people does it hold? The church room seats around 400. Where exactly is it? At Åsengata 19, in the Sagene borough of Oslo. How do I get there? The easiest way is the tram running between Majorstuen and Kjelsås, getting off in Torshov and walking the rest. Is it worth visiting if I am not religious? Yes, if you enjoy twentieth-century architecture. The copper roof, marble facing, separate bell tower and glass panels all matter to the story of Norwegian church building. Check opening hours with the parish before you go, since it is a working church with regular services. Who is it for? This is a good stop for fans of postwar architecture, anyone curious about Oslo's history, and travellers who want to see less touristy parts of the capital. Combine it with a walk through Torshov and Grünerløkka, and drop into a cafe on Vogts gate along the way. The interior is best in daylight, when the colours of the glass panels show most clearly, so aim for a bright afternoon.
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Sørbø Church
Stavanger
Sørbø Church (Sørbø kirke) is a medieval Romanesque stone church in the village of Sørbø on the island of Rennesøy, within Stavanger Municipality in Rogaland, western Norway. Built in the first half of the 12th century as a royal chapel, it is still an active parish church and one of the oldest buildings in the region. What is Sørbø Church? The church belongs to the Church of Norway and is one of two churches serving the Rennesøy parish. The parish sits in the Tungenes deanery of the Diocese of Stavanger. The building follows a long-church plan, a simple rectangular layout with a nave and a chancel, and seats about 150 people. The architect is unknown. How old is it, and why was it a royal chapel? Sources place construction somewhere between about 1130 and 1150, with 1130 the most commonly cited date. The church was built as a royal chapel, which tells us the site carried real political weight in the early Norwegian kingdom. The spot is thought to have been a chieftain's seat and a gathering place well before Christianity arrived, and archaeologists have found the remains of a very large boat house from the late Viking Age nearby. In 1308 Sørbø was listed among the fourteen royal chapels of King Håkon Magnusson. Only three of those chapels survive today, which makes Sørbø a rare witness to this part of Norwegian history. What does the building look like? The church is typical of Norwegian Romanesque architecture: thick stone walls, small openings and a compact, sturdy form. Soapstone from the surrounding area was used for architectural details, a material often chosen in western Norway for its workability. Over the centuries the church was altered. A Renaissance-style interior was added in the 17th century, and the walls were changed in 1884. A restoration in the 1960s aimed to bring the church back to something close to its probable medieval appearance. What can a visitor expect? Sørbø is a quiet rural setting, a good contrast to the busy city of Stavanger. Rennesøy is an island community, and a visit to the church fits well into a day exploring the islands and the Viking Age and medieval heritage of Ryfylke and Rogaland. Because it is a working parish church, access depends on services and local arrangements, so check opening times before you go. Frequently asked questions When was Sørbø Church built? Around 1130 to 1150, in the Romanesque period. Is it still used for services? Yes. It is a parish church of the Church of Norway and part of the Rennesøy parish. How many people does it hold? About 150. Why is it called a royal chapel? It was built as a royal chapel and was later named among the king's fourteen chapels in 1308. Where is it? In the village of Sørbø on Rennesøy island, in Stavanger Municipality, Rogaland county, Norway. Is it worth visiting? For anyone interested in medieval architecture, Viking Age sites or the early history of the Norwegian kingdom, yes. It is one of only a few surviving medieval royal chapels in the country.
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Hommelvik Church
Hommelvik
Hommelvik Church Hommelvik Church (Hommelvik kirke) is a white wooden parish church in the village of Hommelvik, in Malvik Municipality, Trøndelag county, Norway. It stands on the shore side of the Trondheimsfjord region, a short distance from the city of Trondheim, and has served the local community for well over a century. What kind of church is it? The building belongs to the Church of Norway and is one of the churches of the Hommelvik parish. The parish is part of the Stjørdal deanery (prosti) in the Diocese of Nidaros, the historic church region centred on Trondheim. The church is a wooden "long church" (langkirke): a simple rectangular nave with a chancel at one end, a form that was the standard for Norwegian rural churches in the nineteenth century. Who built it and when? The church was built in 1886 and designed by the architects Johan Wæhre and Osvald Magnus Günther. It was consecrated on 25 May 1887. It seats about 360 people, which makes it a sizeable village church, large enough for major services and local celebrations. How has it changed over time? The church has been adapted several times. In 1950 it was extensively restored under the architect John Tverdal. The interior was modernised, and the church received a new pulpit, altarpiece and organ. In 1977 the roof and walls were insulated, the ceiling inside was lowered and clad in wooden panels, and the benches in the gallery were replaced with chairs. These works are why the interior feels different from what the 1880s builders originally made, while the white timber exterior still reads as a classic Norwegian church. Why visit Hommelvik? Hommelvik is a small settlement, and the church is one of its main landmarks. The railway station, opened in 1881 on the Meråker line, is also in the village, so the church and the station together show how the community developed in the late nineteenth century. The wider Malvik municipality was separated from Strinda in 1891, and the Malvik parish was created in 1897, only a few years after the church was finished. The church is also listed as a point of interest on the Pilegrimsleden, the pilgrim route to Trondheim, so walkers on the trail may pass by it. Frequently asked questions When was Hommelvik Church built? It was built in 1886 and consecrated in 1887. Who designed it? The architects Johan Wæhre and Osvald Magnus Günther. How many people does it seat? About 360. What style is it? It is a white wooden long church, a traditional Norwegian form. Which parish does it belong to? The Hommelvik parish in the Stjørdal deanery, Diocese of Nidaros, Church of Norway. Was it ever renovated? Yes, in 1950 (interior modernised, new pulpit, altarpiece and organ) and in 1977 (insulation and a lowered wood-panelled ceiling).
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Søm Church
Kristiansand
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.
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Vågøy Church
Hustadvika
Vågøy Church (Norwegian: Vågøy kirke) is a white wooden parish church built in 1904 on the small island of Vågøya in Hustadvika Municipality, western Norway. It stands at the entrance to the Frænfjorden and belongs to the Church of Norway. It is a modest yet picturesque example of Norwegian church building from the turn of the twentieth century. Where is Vågøy Church? The church lies in Hustadvika, in the county of Møre og Romsdal, on the coast facing the Norwegian Sea. It sits on the island of Vågøya, right where the Frænfjorden opens toward the sea. The area used to belong to Fræna Municipality, a name you will still see in many registers and databases. With its island setting, the white building contrasts nicely with the water and the low coastal landscape around it. What is the history of the church? The present building dates from 1904 and follows the long church (langkirke) type: a simple, elongated structure with a rectangular nave. It was designed by architect Ole Havnæs, described in local parish history as a master builder from Ålesund. The municipal council asked him for a church plan in 1902, and his proposal was accepted in 1903. The previous church on the site had burned down in 1900, so the new building replaced a lost one. It was ready for consecration in autumn 1904, and the church was restored in 1984. What should you know about its architecture and interior? The church is built entirely of wood and painted white, as is typical for Norwegian parish churches. The interior holds several hundred worshippers, which is a large capacity for an island community and shows how important the parish was to local life. According to Norwegian sources, the altarpiece is a copy after Carl Bloch, the Danish painter known for his religious compositions. The pulpit, also from 1904, is the work of Ole Havnæs. Which parish does it belong to? Vågøy Church is one of two churches in the Vågøy og Myrbostad parish. The parish is part of the Molde domprosti (arch-deanery) in the Diocese of Møre. The church remains in regular use, so services and family ceremonies are held here much as they have been for over a century. Is Vågøy Church worth visiting? If you are travelling along the Møre og Romsdal coast, the church is a good stop for lovers of wooden architecture, landscape photography and quiet, lesser-known corners of Norway. It is not a ticketed attraction with queues, but a place where you can sense the everyday life of a local community. It pairs well with a walk around the area and a drive along the Hustadvika coast, known for its rugged Atlantic scenery. Frequently asked questions When was Vågøy Church built? In 1904, and it was consecrated in the autumn of that year. Who designed it? Architect Ole Havnæs. Where exactly is it? On the island of Vågøya, at the entrance to the Frænfjorden, in Hustadvika Municipality, Møre og Romsdal. Is the church still in use? Yes, it is a parish church of the Vågøy og Myrbostad parish in the Church of Norway. What is it made of? Wood, painted white, in the long church style.
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Trinity Church
Oslo
Trinity Church (Trefoldighetskirken) is a Lutheran church in the Hammersborg district of central Oslo, right beside the government buildings of Regjeringskvartalet. Its red brick body, central dome and two slender towers make it one of the capital's most recognisable landmarks. What does Trinity Church look like? The church was consecrated in 1858. It is neo-Gothic and built on a cruciform plan. The facades are red brick, and a large eight-sided dome rises over the crossing, flanked by two narrow octagonal towers. The octagon is the recurring motif, and the building is regarded as one of Norway's grandest examples of church architecture based on that shape. Who designed it? The original design came from Alexis de Chateauneuf of Hamburg. His pupil Wilhelm von Hanno later modified the plans and played a large part in shaping the interior details. The result blends German neo-Gothic tradition with its Oslo setting. What is there to see inside? The nave seats around 1,200 people. The altarpiece is a painting of the Baptism of Jesus by Adolph Tidemand, one of Norway's leading nineteenth-century painters. The decor also includes chandeliers designed by Emanuel Vigeland and stained-glass paintings by Frøydis Haavardsholm. The tall, bright space under the dome suits both services and concerts. Where is it and how do you get there? The church stands on a small rise in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from Karl Johans gate and the government quarter. It is an easy stop on a stroll through central Oslo. Walk all the way around the building: the brick walls, towers and dome look different from every side. Frequently asked questions Where is Trinity Church in Oslo? In the Hammersborg area of the city centre, next to the government buildings. When was it consecrated? In 1858. What style is it? Neo-Gothic, cruciform, built of red brick with an octagonal dome and two towers. Is it a Lutheran church? Yes. How many people does it hold? About 1,200 seats. Who painted the altarpiece? Adolph Tidemand; it depicts the Baptism of Jesus.
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Hinna Church
Stavanger
Hinna Church (Hinna kirke) is a brick parish church in the southern part of Stavanger, in Rogaland county, Norway. It belongs to the Church of Norway and serves the Hinna parish. Built in the 1960s, it is a good example of postwar church architecture in a growing Norwegian suburb. Where is Hinna Church? The church stands in the Hinna borough, in the southern part of Stavanger Municipality. Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city and the main centre of Rogaland. Hinna is a residential district, so the church works as a neighbourhood hub rather than a sight in the historic old town. Its coordinates are roughly 58.924 N, 5.729 E. Who designed it, and when was it consecrated? The architects were Eyvind Retzius and Svein Bjoland. The church was built of brick on a rectangular plan, in the plain, functional style typical of its era. It was consecrated on 29 October 1967. Some sources, including the parish's own website, credit Retzius alone, so attribution varies between accounts. How many people does it hold? The nave seats about 700 people. That is a lot for a suburban church and reflects the scale of the district and its growing congregation at the time. The space suits large services, concerts and family occasions. How did the Hinna parish come about? The idea of a church of its own on Hinna dates back to the late 1930s. Before that, the area belonged to Hetland parish. Hinna became an independent parish in the mid-1960s, and the building followed shortly after. The parish is part of the Ytre Stavanger deanery (prosti) in the Diocese of Stavanger. What else is worth knowing about the interior and surroundings? Norwegian sources note glass paintings by the well-known Norwegian artist Victor Sparre in the choir wall. Next to the church stands the Hinnasenteret parish centre, completed around 1980, with a nursery, kitchen and meeting rooms. It keeps the complex in daily use beyond services. Frequently asked questions Is Hinna Church a medieval building? No. It dates from 1967 and represents modern Norwegian church architecture. What is it built from? Brick, on a rectangular plan. How many seats does it have? About 700. Which church does it belong to? The Church of Norway (Lutheran), in the Diocese of Stavanger. Is it worth a visit? If you are interested in postwar Norwegian architecture or the work of Victor Sparre, yes. It is an active parish church, so access depends on service times and parish events. Check the Hinna parish website for current hours. Summary Hinna Church is a modest but distinctive example of Scandinavian sacred modernism in southern Stavanger. Its 1960s brick form, large nave for around 700 people and Sparre's glass work make it an interesting stop for architecture fans and an important gathering place for the local Hinna community.
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Skien Church
Skien
Skien Church (Skien kirke) is a Lutheran parish church in the centre of Skien, a town in Telemark, Norway. A Neo-Gothic red-brick building consecrated in 1894, it is one of the most recognisable landmarks in town and the seat of the regional provost. Why visit Skien Church? The church tells the story of a town that rebuilt itself. Skien's old timber centre was destroyed by a great fire in 1886, and the townspeople chose to rise again in far more durable brick. The new church became one of the symbols of that effort. Today it stands out above the surrounding buildings and contrasts with the low wooden houses typical of so many Norwegian towns. Who designed it? The architect was Hagbarth Martin Schytte-Berg (1860–1944). He designed a Neo-Gothic cruciform church with tall towers and pointed-arch windows. The brick facade gives the whole building a stern yet ceremonial character. A church designed with a cathedral in mind The scale of the building is part of its story. It was planned on the assumption that it might one day become a cathedral, which is why it feels so grand for a town of this size. From 1940 to 1945 it was in fact known as Skien Cathedral. After the war it returned to its role as a parish church, but it remains important to the region as the seat of the provost. What to see inside The interior features painted decoration with plant motifs, and stained-glass windows in the choir, sacristy and transept. Light filtering through the coloured glass shows off the Neo-Gothic proportions of the nave. If you enjoy church architecture, look at the rhythm of the pillars and vaulting and at the height of the space. Visiting tips The church is in the town centre, so it is easy to combine with a walk through Skien, along the river and past its cafes and shops. Opening hours depend on services and parish events, so check the parish's current information before you go. During services and concerts, access can be limited and quiet is expected. Frequently asked questions When was Skien Church built? It was consecrated in 1894, after the town fire of 1886. What style is it? It is a Neo-Gothic cruciform brick church. Who was the architect? Hagbarth Martin Schytte-Berg. Was it ever a cathedral? It was designed with cathedral status in mind, and from 1940 to 1945 it was called Skien Cathedral. What denomination is it? It is a Lutheran parish church and the seat of the regional provost. Is it worth a short stop? Yes. The exterior alone is impressive, and a brief look inside lets you see the stained glass and painted decoration before you continue exploring town. Skien Church is a stop for anyone who wants to understand a town rebuilt after fire and see late nineteenth-century Norwegian church architecture at full scale.
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Nordstrand Church
Oslo
Nordstrand Church (Nordstrand kirke) is a red-brick neo-Gothic parish church at Ekebergveien 238 in Oslo, Norway. It began life in the 1860s as a modest chapel and grew over a century and a half into the main church of the Nordstrand district, with room for around 480 people. What is the history of Nordstrand Church? The building was consecrated in 1866 under the name Østre Aker Chapel. Later it was known as Sæter Chapel. In 1905 a separate Nordstrand congregation was founded, and in 1906 the church took the name it carries today: Nordstrand Church. Over the years the building was repeatedly enlarged: 1866 – consecration of the original chapel. 1886 – a sacristy was added. 1935 – the church was extended and received a new tower at the west end. 2014–2015 – the largest expansion so far. 23 August 2015 – reconsecration by Ole Christian Kvarme, Bishop of Oslo. Who designed Nordstrand Church? The original church was designed by Jacob Wilhelm Nordan, a Danish-born architect who spent much of his career in Norway. He is credited with designing 96 churches in the country, more than any other architect, and is counted among the leading Norwegian architects of historicism. In Oslo his name is also linked to Sofienberg Church and Kampen Church. The builder of Nordstrand Church was Asmus Lenschow. The 1935 west tower was drawn by architect Georg Greve. The 2014–2015 remodelling was carried out by Are Meinich and Trine-Lise Sonne. What does the church look like? The church is built in red brick in the neo-Gothic style, a form typical of Nordan's work and of nineteenth-century church building more broadly. It has a long, church-shaped plan with a tower at the western end, the latter dating from the 1935 extension. The 2014–2015 enlargement added 26 metres to the east end of the building. Beneath the church, new basement facilities were created for the congregation. As a result the number of seats in the nave rose from about 300 to 480. What is inside? Among the interior features are the main organ, a pneumatic instrument from 1935 with 24 stops, and three choir windows painted by Frøydis Haavardsholm. The organ dates from the same year as the west tower, so the 1930s extension shaped both the exterior and the musical life of the church. Why visit Nordstrand Church? Nordstrand Church is a good stop for anyone interested in church architecture, Norwegian historicism or the layered growth of Oslo's suburbs. The building shows clearly how a small nineteenth-century chapel was adapted to a growing community: the 1886 sacristy, the 1935 tower and the 2015 eastern extension each leave a visible mark. It lies in the Nordstrand district in the south-eastern part of Oslo, along Ekebergveien. Because it is an active parish church, it is worth checking the parish's current schedule before planning a visit inside. Frequently asked questions When was Nordstrand Church built? It was consecrated in 1866, originally as Østre Aker Chapel. Who was the architect? Jacob Wilhelm Nordan designed the original building. Georg Greve drew the 1935 tower, and Are Meinich with Trine-Lise Sonne handled the 2014–2015 remodelling. How many people does it seat? About 480 after the 2015 expansion, compared with roughly 300 before. What style is it? Neo-Gothic, in red brick. Where is it? At Ekebergveien 238 in the Nordstrand district of Oslo.
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Moss Church
Moss
Moss Church (Moss kirke) is a brick church in the centre of Moss, a town in Østfold county, Norway, on the Oslofjord. The neo-Gothic building stands in a park close to the town centre, which makes it one of the easiest landmarks in town to reach. It is also listed as a point of interest on the Pilgrim's Way (Pilegrimsleden), so it works as a natural stop for walkers. When was Moss Church built? The present building was consecrated in 1861. It replaced an earlier church from the 1770s that burned down in one of the largest fires in the town's history. The architects were Heinrich Ernst Schirmer and Wilhelm von Hanno, and Wikidata gives the same names. Some travel pages claim the church dates from the 12th century, but that contradicts the more specific records pointing to 1861, so treat it with caution. What does the church look like? The design is neo-Gothic. Its signature features are raw, unplastered brick and pointed windows. Green parkland surrounds the building, so it can be admired from several sides, and a short walk from the centre fits easily into a stroll around town. Inside, the stained-glass windows are by Oluf Vold-Thorne and Borgar Hauglid. The interior decoration was extended during a renovation in 1929, which included work by Enevold Thømt. A modern interior in older walls Between 2015 and 2017 the interior was thoroughly rehabilitated. The result is a contemporary worship space created inside the historic structure, adapted to the needs of today's congregation. It is a good example of nineteenth-century architecture being combined with a modern approach to how a church is used. Frequently asked questions Is Moss Church old? The current building dates from 1861. The previous church, from the 1770s, was destroyed by fire. Who designed it? Heinrich Ernst Schirmer and Wilhelm von Hanno. What style is it? Neo-Gothic, in raw brick with pointed windows. What is worth seeing inside? The stained glass by Oluf Vold-Thorne and Borgar Hauglid, the 1929 decoration by Enevold Thømt, and the interior renewed in 2015-2017. Where is it? In the centre of Moss, in a park near the town centre. It is also a point on the Pilgrim's Way. Who should visit? We recommend the church to fans of nineteenth-century architecture, anyone curious about Norwegian town history, and pilgrims or hikers following Pilegrimsleden. A visit does not take long, yet it shows how the town rebuilt after a great fire and how its main church has adapted to the present day. Before you go, check the current opening hours, as church interiors are often open only at limited times, especially outside the tourist season. You can combine the visit with a walk through central Moss and along the waterfront, where other traces of the town's industrial and harbour past can be found.
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Høybråten Church
Oslo
Høybråten Church (Høybråten kirke) is a small church in the north-eastern part of Oslo, surrounded by one of the largest cemeteries in the Norwegian capital. It began life as a cemetery chapel and is now a parish church. It suits visitors interested in interwar Norwegian architecture and in the local history of the former municipality of Aker. How did the church come about? The story starts with the cemetery. In 1924 the municipality of Aker bought roughly 40 acres at Høybråten for a new burial ground. The layout was drawn up by district gardener Karl Flod (1929), and his plan also decided where the chapel would stand. Work on the cemetery took place in the late 1920s; sources give different dates, usually 1928 or 1929. The chapel was designed by Georg Greve, Aker's municipal architect. He presented plans and drawings in 1929, and H. Jørgensen managed construction. It was conceived so that it could serve for services as well as funerals. The first burial took place on 29 June 1932, and the building was consecrated the following day, 30 June 1932. What does the building look like? The church is built of brick with a slate roof. Its most distinctive feature is a copper-clad turret placed on the cemetery's main axis, so the building anchors the grounds around it and the cemetery paths lead the eye toward it. Inside there is seating for 168, which makes it an intimate space. The altarpiece is a mosaic by Per Vigeland. One source dates it to 1955. From chapel to parish church For its first decades the building served as a cemetery chapel. It became a parish church in 1966, when the Høybråten parish was established. Since then it has been a focal point for the local community, while still standing amid the cemetery that surrounds it today. Practical information for visitors Where: the Høybråten district in the north-east of Oslo. Who it suits: fans of twentieth-century church architecture, local history and quiet walks. Time needed: a short visit is usually enough; you can combine it with a stroll through the cemetery grounds, keeping quiet and respecting people visiting graves. Interior: access depends on services and parish events, so check the parish's current information before you go. Frequently asked questions Who designed Høybråten Church? Georg Greve, the municipal architect of Aker. When was it consecrated? On 30 June 1932. The first burial in the cemetery took place the day before. Was it always a parish church? No. It started as a cemetery chapel and gained parish church status in 1966. What is inside? A modest interior seating 168, with an altar mosaic by Per Vigeland. Is the cemetery large? Yes, it is among the largest in Oslo and surrounds the church.
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Cathedral Ruins in Hamar
Hamar
The Hamar Cathedral ruins are the remains of a medieval church in the Norwegian town of Hamar, on the shore of Lake Mjøsa, within the Hedmarksmuseet museum grounds. Today they stand protected beneath a large glass hall, and visitors can walk on raised walkways right above the old walls. What is this place? Hamar became a bishop's seat in 1152, and the cathedral was completed around 1200. It was a Romanesque building that received Gothic additions in the 14th century. For several centuries it served as the main church of the diocese and a religious centre for this part of Norway. How did the cathedral end up in ruins? After the Reformation the cathedral lost its importance. In 1567, during the Northern Seven Years' War, Swedish troops destroyed the bishop's palace, and a fire left the church with only part of its walls. Over the following centuries the remains weathered, and stone was also reused as building material. How are the ruins protected? In 1987 the county decided to build a shelter to halt the decay of the walls. A competition drew 52 entries and was won by the architects Kjell Lund and Nils Slaatto. The hall opened in August 1998. Its glass panels let daylight in, so the ruins can be seen from both outside and inside. The contrast between the modern structure and the centuries-old stone is a big draw for architecture fans. What will you see? Wall fragments of the Romanesque cathedral from around 1200. Elements added in the Gothic period. Walkways and viewpoints that let you get close without harming the monument. The other parts of the Hedmarksmuseet grounds. Are events held here? Yes. The hall has good acoustics, so it hosts concerts and religious events. The ruins are therefore more than an exhibit: they again serve as a gathering place, much as they did when the cathedral was in use. Frequently asked questions When was Hamar Cathedral built? Construction began after the diocese was founded in 1152 and finished around 1200. Who destroyed it? In 1567, during the Northern Seven Years' War, Swedish troops destroyed the bishop's palace, and fire left the church in ruins. Why was the glass hall built? To shield the surviving walls from rain, frost and further deterioration. It opened in 1998. Are the ruins part of a museum? Yes, they belong to Hedmarksmuseet, which runs the whole Domkirkeodden area. Is it worth visiting on a rainy day? Yes. The visit takes place under cover, so weather matters less than at typical open-air ruins. Combine the visit with a walk along the Mjøsa shore and the rest of the museum. For anyone interested in medieval Norway it is one of the more interesting stops in the Innlandet region, and for architecture lovers it shows how a modern structure can protect old walls.
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St. Olav's Cathedral, Trondheim
Trondheim
St. Olav's Cathedral in Trondheim is the main Catholic church of central Norway and the seat of the Territorial Prelature of Trondheim. It stands at Schirmers gate 1 on the Kalvskinnet hill, in the middle of the city. The building is modern, opened in 2016, and its story reflects the return of Catholic life to a city that was once the great pilgrimage destination of medieval Norway. How is it different from Nidaros Cathedral? Most visitors to Trondheim head for Nidaros Cathedral, the Lutheran medieval masterpiece built over the grave of Saint Olav. St. Olav's Cathedral on Schirmers gate is a different building altogether: the church of the city's Catholic community, which honors the same royal saint. The name makes sense, since Trondheim, formerly Nidaros, was for centuries the main place of pilgrimage in honor of Olav. How did the parish begin? The Catholic parish was founded in 1902. Its first home was a converted locomotive shed at Trondheim's first railway station, close to the Elgeseter bridge. That humble start says a lot about the position of Catholics in a country where Lutheranism had dominated for centuries. The 1973 church A new church designed by architect Per Kartvedt was consecrated in 1973. Its radical modernist design was controversial in the city. Painter Håkon Bleken created the decoration, including a series of paintings of the Stations of the Cross and a mosaic altar wall. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1979, when the vicariate became a territorial prelature. Over time the building became a problem. It was in poor condition and too small for a growing congregation, so the decision was made to demolish it and build a new cathedral on the same site. Bleken's mosaic altar wall was saved and moved to the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum. The new cathedral The commission went to the Trondheim firm Eggen Arkitekter in May 2010, and their winning entry was titled "Trinitas". The budget was around 100 million Norwegian kroner, partly financed by a bank loan. The old church was demolished in 2014 and the new building was completed in November 2016. It was consecrated on 19 November 2016 by the pope's envoy, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster. A freestanding bell tower with six bells stands beside the church. Bishop Bernt Ivar Eidsvig blessed the bells on 29 July 2016, a few months before the church itself opened. Practical tips for visitors Address: Schirmers gate 1, Trondheim, in the Kalvskinnet district. Best for: anyone interested in contemporary church architecture, the history of Catholicism in Norway, or the cult of Saint Olav. Visiting: this is a working parish and cathedral church, so plan around services and keep noise down. Check the parish website for current opening hours. Combine with: the cathedral fits easily into a walk through the city center together with Nidaros Cathedral and other sights. Frequently asked questions Is this the same cathedral as Nidaros? No. Nidaros is Lutheran and medieval, while St. Olav's Cathedral belongs to the Catholic Church and has a modern design. When did the current building open? It was consecrated on 19 November 2016, after the 1973 church was torn down. Who designed the new cathedral? Eggen Arkitekter of Trondheim, with a design called "Trinitas". What happened to the mosaic from the old church? Håkon Bleken's mosaic altar wall was moved to the Sverresborg Folk Museum. Which diocese does the cathedral serve? It is the seat of the Territorial Prelature of Trondheim, which covers Catholics in central Norway.
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Reinli Chapel
Sør-Aurdal
Reinli Chapel (Reinli kapell) is a wooden parish church of the Church of Norway in the village of Reinli, in Sør-Aurdal Municipality, Innlandet county. It went up in the 1960s as a practical companion to the famous medieval stave church standing across the road. What is Reinli Chapel? The chapel serves the Reinli parish, part of the Valdres deanery in the Diocese of Hamar. It is a long church, a simple single-nave plan, built of timber in a brown finish on a timber-frame (bindingsverk) structure. The architect was Kolbjørn Sukke. Depending on the source, it seats roughly 150 to 164 people. Why was it built next to a historic stave church? Reinli has had its celebrated stave church for centuries. Buildings like that are beautiful but hard to use day to day, and heating the old timber in winter was a problem. The parish council first discussed a new church in 1948. The royal resolution allowing it came in 1960, construction began in 1963 under master builder Arne T. Langedrag, and the first service was held in 1964. The chapel was consecrated on 26 May 1965. What can you see here? The building sits on a slope that was terraced to make room for it. The interior is modest, with one standout feature: a large relief on the altar wall by Gunnar Rørhus, made in 1965. Beside the stave church, the chapel offers a clear contrast, medieval carpentry on one side of the road and functional postwar church architecture on the other. Planning a visit Reinli lies in the Valdres valley, in the mountainous south-east of Norway. The easiest way to see the chapel is as part of a visit to the historic stave church, which is a separate building with its own admission arrangements. Because this is a working parish church, the interior is mainly open during services and parish events. It is worth checking opening times with the parish beforehand. Frequently asked questions Who designed Reinli Chapel? Architect Kolbjørn Sukke. Arne T. Langedrag was the master builder. When was it built? Construction began in 1963, the first service was held in 1964, and it was consecrated on 26 May 1965. How many people does it seat? About 164 according to Wikipedia, and around 150 according to a Norwegian church-database site. Is it the same as Reinli Stave Church? No. The stave church is a separate historic building across the road. The chapel was built to take the pressure off it. What is it made of? Timber, in a timber-frame construction, in the form of a long church.
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Munkeby Abbey
Levanger
Munkeby Abbey (Munkeby kloster) is a ruined medieval Cistercian monastery near the village of Okkenhaug in Levanger Municipality, in Norway's Trøndelag region. The church walls still stand, and a new monastic community now lives close by. Where is Munkeby Abbey? The ruins lie about 5 km (3 miles) east of the town of Levanger, at roughly 63.73° N, 11.39° E, far up in northern Europe. The name "Munkeby" means "place of the monks" in Norwegian. How did the monastery begin? Cistercian monks founded it in the 12th century, most often dated to between 1150 and 1180. It is regarded as the northernmost Cistercian house in the world. Some sources link its origins to English monks, who also founded other early Norwegian houses such as Hovedøya and Lyse. The community did not last long here. After Tautra Abbey was founded in 1207, the monks and the monastery's assets moved there, and Munkeby served from then on as a monastic farm, or grange. An attempt in the 1470s to revive it as an independent monastery did not succeed. What happened during the Reformation? The monastery was closed during the Protestant Reformation. Its wooden buildings reportedly burned in 1567, and the stone church was partly used as a quarry. Sources give slightly different dates for when the building stopped serving as a parish church, all around the late 16th century. What can you see today? Only the church walls remain, mostly one to two metres high. The ruins are modest but readable: you can trace the layout of the church and picture the scale of the former abbey. The site has never been fully excavated, so much of its history is still unknown. Since 1967 the land has belonged to Fortidsminneforeningen, the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments, which looks after it. It is listed as a cultural heritage site. Are there monks at Munkeby today? Yes. A new Cistercian community, Munkeby Mariakloster, was founded nearby by monks from Cîteaux. The decision to establish it was made in 2007, and the monks moved in in 2009. The community makes Munkeby cheese, which has become its trademark. Frequently asked questions How do I get to the Munkeby ruins? They are about 5 km east of Levanger, near the village of Okkenhaug. A car from town is the easiest way. Is the abbey still active? The medieval monastery has not existed since the Reformation. A new Cistercian community, Munkeby Mariakloster, operates close to the ruins. Who looks after the ruins? Fortidsminneforeningen, the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments, which has owned the site since 1967. How much of the building survives? The church walls, usually one to two metres high. The other buildings are gone. What makes the place special? It is considered the northernmost Cistercian abbey in the world, and today it pairs ruins with a living monastic tradition and local cheese. Who is it for? History lovers, fans of sacred architecture, and anyone who likes quiet, little-visited places. A visit is short, so it pairs well with a day exploring Levanger and the wider Trøndelag area.
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Innset Church
Rennebu
Innset Church (Norwegian: Innset kirke) is a timber parish church in the village of Innset, in Rennebu Municipality, Trøndelag county, central Norway. It belongs to the Church of Norway and serves the Innset parish. The present building is young, but the site carries more than three centuries of church history. What does Innset Church look like? The church is cruciform in plan, with an exterior of natural, unpainted wood that sits comfortably in the forested valley setting. It was designed by architect Kjell Kvernaas. Inside, there is room for roughly 300 people, a generous capacity for such a small village. When was the current church built? The present church was completed in 2000 and consecrated on 22 October of that year. It follows the layout of its predecessor closely, though the roof structure, steeple, porch and the way the interior is used were changed. What happened to the earlier church? The first church at Innset dates to 1642 and was built in Baroque style by Palle Joensen. Until 1814 it served as a private church tied to the Innset copper works and its mining community. The old timber church burned to the ground in 1995, and the local community rebuilt it in a new form, giving us today's building. A venue for concerts The church is part of the Gauldal deanery in the Diocese of Nidaros, the same diocese as the famous cathedral in Trondheim. Besides regular services, it is a popular place for concerts. The wooden interior and ample seating suit live music, so it is worth checking local event listings before you visit. Who should visit? Innset Church suits travellers interested in contemporary timber church architecture and in the copper-mining history of Trøndelag. The contrast between the Baroque origins of the site and the modern cruciform building from 2000 shows how a local community rebuilt what it had lost. Before you go, check opening hours with the parish, since this is a working parish church where services and concerts take place. Frequently asked questions Where is Innset Church? In the village of Innset, Rennebu Municipality, Trøndelag, Norway. Who designed it? Architect Kjell Kvernaas. How many people does it seat? About 300. Is it a historic building? The building dates from 2000, but it replaced a Baroque church from 1642 that burned down in 1995. Are concerts held here? Yes, it is a popular concert venue. Which diocese does it belong to? The Diocese of Nidaros, in the Gauldal deanery.
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