Urnes Stave Church
Sogn og Fjordane
Urnes Stave Church, located at Ornes along the Lustrafjorden in Norway, is one of the oldest stave churches in the country, with parts of its timber dating back to the late 11th century. Built around 1130, the church exemplifies a long church basilica plan inspired by medieval Christian architecture, featuring cylindrical columns and semi-circular arches inside. Its wooden carvings, especially on the north portal, represent the Urnes style, which combines Viking animal ornamentation with Christian symbolism, reflecting the cultural transition during the period. The church's interior is richly decorated with carved capitals depicting human, animal, and plant motifs, and contains medieval liturgical objects. The structure incorporates reused materials from earlier churches on the site, dating back to the 11th century. The church has been preserved by the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments since 1881 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Today, it remains a significant cultural and architectural monument, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Recent measures have been introduced to manage visitor numbers and preserve the site.
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Tip: The best time to visit Urnes Stave Church is during the warmer months when weather conditions allow comfortable exploration. Due to its popularity and limited daily visitor capacity, it is recommended to book tickets or tours in advance. Group visits require reservations, and there are restrictions on bus arrivals to reduce congestion. Visitors should check the official website for the latest opening hours and visitor guidelines. Discounts may be available for certain groups, but specific prices are not published. Respect for the site’s preservation rules is essential during the visit.
Interesting facts
- •Urnes Stave Church is considered the oldest surviving stave church in Norway, with some timber dated to 1048–1064.
- •The north portal's carvings are among the last examples of Viking animal ornamentation, known as the Urnes style.
- •The church has reused wooden elements from two older churches previously standing on the same site.
- •It was one of the first Norwegian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
- •Visitor numbers are strictly limited to preserve the site, with a daily maximum of around 400 visitors.
- •The church's design influenced later stave churches and bridges Christian architectural elements with Viking art forms.
History
Urnes Stave Church was constructed around 1130, incorporating materials from at least two earlier churches dating back to the 11th century, indicating the site's long-standing religious significance.
Archaeological excavations in the 1950s revealed post holes and graves from these previous buildings.
The church reflects the transitional period from Viking paganism to Christianity, with its decorations blending motifs from both traditions.
Ownership was transferred to the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments in 1881.
In 1979, it became one of Norway's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Recent dendrochronological studies have refined the dating of its timber, confirming parts as old as the late 11th century.
Place Guide
North Portal12th century
The north portal features intricate wood carvings in the Urnes style, depicting interlaced animals symbolizing the fusion of Viking art and Christian themes. It is considered one of the finest examples of Viking animal ornamentation.
Nave and Columns12th century
The church’s nave is a raised central room surrounded by aisles, supported by 16 large wooden staves and cylindrical columns with cubic capitals carved with human, animal, and vegetal motifs reflecting Viking and Christian symbolism.
Interior Decorations and Liturgical ObjectsVarious (12th to 17th centuries)
The interior is richly decorated with medieval carvings and houses numerous liturgical objects used historically for worship, including a 17th-century baptismal font, altar canopy, pulpit, and altarpiece depicting Christ on the cross with the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist.
Contact
Phone: 41 39 48 21
