Urnes Stave Church

Urnes stave church was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979. Urnes stave church was built in the 1130’s A.D.

Unique architectural and building style
The church has a unique position in architectural and building style history, and is a central piece of Norwegian art and history. It is among the oldest of the preserved stave churches, an example of excellent craftsmanship and well executed wood work. The church has an unusually rich interior decoration.

Urnes Stave Church at State of the Environment »
Urnes Stave Church at UNESCO »
Urnes stave church is in Luster township in Sogn county, in a magnificent natural setting: the ideal of the 1880’s natural-romantic Norwegian landscape.

Urnes Stave Church

Urnes Stave Church was most likely built as a private church for the rich and powerful Ornes family, which played a leading role on the side of Baglerne during the civil wars. Following the peace with Håkon Håkonson in 1217, they were the King’s trusted men.

The builders of the church were well acquainted with international trends in architecture, and translated these from stone to wood. Both the exceptional quality and wealth displayed in the décor at Urnes demonstrates the wealth and the power of the builders.

Traces of earlier churches

The style of ornamentation of the church is interesting, and is dated to the period between 1050-1100 A.D. This indicates that much of the ornamentation was from an earlier church. It is assumed that the earlier church was demolished around the middle of the 12th century and the material was re-used in the standing church.

The ground under the church indicates that there must have been a building earlier, which most likely was built during the time when Christianity was introduced to Norway.