On rare occasions, the Northern Lights could also be visible over Borgund Stave Church in Norway.
Amid green valleys and rugged mountains lies a remarkable piece of cultural heritage in the guts of Norway. It dates back to the late twelfth century and Borgund stave church is an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
Built entirely of wood, the church is a monument to the extraordinary creativity of medieval Nordic craftsmen.
The iconic Borgund stave church within the municipality of Lerdal in Vestland. Norway.
Although the stave church is not any longer used as an lively place of worship following the development of a contemporary alternative in 1868, it offers visitors a rare detailed glimpse into the past. It is a snapshot of a time when the Old Norse faith still endured in a Scandinavia that was experiencing rapid Christianization.
Bar architecture
Borgund is a improbable example of stave church architecture, a method unique to Northern Europe characterised by means of vertical picket staves to support the structure.
Borgund Stave Church is considered one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway … [+]
What sets Borgund apart is its remarkable state of preservation and the intricate details of its design.
The exterior is decorated with ornate carvings of dragon heads and Christian symbolism, reflecting a fusion of pagan Nordic and medieval Christian influences. The locals weren’t quite ready to provide up the old customs.
Carved details at Borgund Stave Church show Old Norse influence.
The interior, dimly lit by natural light coming through small windows, incorporates original picket pews and an altar that bears witness to centuries of worship.
The construction techniques are easier to grasp from contained in the church.
It’s value paying the doorway fee to enter the church because inside you possibly can really admire the architectural style and the work that went into its construction.
A rare example
At the peak of the Middle Ages there have been over a thousand stave churches in Norway. Today fewer than 30 remain, with Borgund amongst probably the most visited. Not only the church itself survived. Norway’s only remaining bar bell tower is nearby.
The twelfth century church is surrounded by the standard Norwegian fjord landscape.
The survival of those churches is a remarkable achievement given the vulnerability of their picket structures to the weather and the ravages of time.
The careful maintenance and commitment of generations who recognized its historical and cultural value were crucial to the church’s survival.
Exterior details of Borgund Stave Church.
An necessary moment within the church’s history occurred in 1877 when it was purchased by the church The Past Memorial Association (the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments) to reserve it from demolition.
The “modern” alternative
In addition to the historic stave church, its Nineteenth-century alternative serves the community’s current religious needs.
The recent Borgund Church (left) was inbuilt the Nineteenth century to preserve the historic staff … [+]
The “new” Borgund Church is an attraction just because of its size Dragon style design and red color, which creates a striking contrast to the older church and the green surroundings.
A mountaineering paradise
The area is a well-liked mountaineering destination for locals and tourists alike. The church is a landmark on the historic 68-mile trail King Streetor The King’s Road.
Vindhellavegen is a historic winding road over a mountain pass, a part of the Royal Road nearby … [+]
Once the preferred route between eastern and western Norway, the Royal Road is now some of the beautiful heritage routes in Europe.
How to go to Borgund Stave Church
The church is open every day between mid-April and mid-October and is well accessible for visitors planning a road trip between Oslo and Bergen. Borgund is situated within the municipality of Lærdal, just a number of minutes from the major road E16.
Plus, it’s lower than an hour’s drive from Flåm, so visitors can mix a visit to the church with a visit on the Flåm Railway and an overnight stay in considered one of Norway’s most picturesque fjord villages.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the adjoining visitor center. It offers exhibitions on the history of Borgund and other stave churches in Norway, a café and a present shop.
Tickets ($12) to go to the church have to be purchased on the visitor center. The number of individuals allowed into the church is proscribed, so there could also be longer waiting times at peak times. In high season, guided tours explore the history, architecture and broader context of stave churches in medieval Nordic society.
