Røst Church
Nordland
Røst Church, located on the island of Røstlandet in Nordland, Norway, serves as the parish church for the Røst parish within the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland. The current white wooden church, built in 1900 in a traditional long church style, was designed by architect A. Evjen and seats about 270 people. This church replaced an older stone church that had become too small for the parish. The site has a long ecclesiastical history with at least five different churches having stood on Røst over the centuries. The original medieval church, first recorded in 1432, was located near the present airport but was lost to fire and natural disasters, including a lightning strike and a devastating winter storm. Notably, the altar piece in the church was gifted by Princess Isabella of Burgundy around 1520, commemorating her survival of a storm en route to Denmark. The church combines architectural simplicity with deep cultural significance, reflecting the maritime heritage and resilience of the local community.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the milder months to enjoy the island's natural beauty alongside the church. Booking guided tours in advance may provide deeper insights into the church's history and the surrounding parish. While entry to the church is generally free, checking local schedules for service times or special events is recommended. Modest discounts may be available for groups or during cultural heritage days.
Interesting facts
- •The altar piece was donated by Princess Isabella of Burgundy around 1520 as a thanksgiving for surviving a storm at sea.
- •The churchyard of the original medieval church is now submerged in a swampy area, inspiring local legends about the church sinking into the ground.
- •The tower from the church destroyed in the 1835 storm still stands in the Røst cemetery.
- •At least five different churches have existed on Røst over the centuries, reflecting the island's challenging weather and geography.
History
The earliest records of a church on Røst date back to 1432, indicating an even older origin.
The first church stood near today's airport but was destroyed by fire in 1715.
Subsequently, a timber cruciform church was built on higher ground but suffered damage from lightning in 1824 and was destroyed by a winter storm in 1835.
A stone church was then constructed and consecrated in 1839, later expanded with a choir and sacristy in 1883.
By 1900, the current wooden church was built in the main village of Røstlandet to accommodate the growing parish.
Place Guide
Main Church Building1900
The current wooden long church built in 1900 features traditional Norwegian ecclesiastical architecture with simple yet elegant design elements, seating approximately 270 worshippers.
Churchyard and Cemetery1835 (tower)
Located near the site of previous churches, the cemetery contains the tower from the 1835 church destroyed by storm, serving as a historical landmark.
Altar Piece~1520
A historic altar piece gifted by Princess Isabella of Burgundy circa 1520, symbolizing gratitude for surviving a perilous sea journey to Denmark.
