Gol Stave Church, Oslo
The Gol Stave Church finds its home within the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, situated in an open-air 'skansen' or dynamic living museum, showcasing a collection of historic structures from all corners of the nation. Originating from the early 13th century, this church embodies the architectural style of a stave church, characterized by its intricate timber-framed design with multiple tiers. While stave churches were once prevalent in medieval Scandinavia, only a handful remain unspoiled through time.
Initially erected in the quaint village of Gol in Southern Norway, the church's fate took a fortunate turn when the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments intervened in 1880. They acquired the structure, rescuing it from imminent demolition. Its journey led it to its current abode within the Museum of Cultural History. This relocation was facilitated by King Oscar II, who not only procured the church but also integrated it into his open-air museum. Over time, this merged with the church's present location.
As one of the finest-preserved timber churches in the entire country, the Gol Stave Church stands out as a remarkable highlight within the museum's offerings. Its popularity is such that a modern replica was established in its original hometown of Gol. This replica, constructed in the 1980s, pays homage to the original church that was displaced a century earlier, replaced by a new structure.
Why You Should Visit:
Great to start your learning about Norway's old churches in an intimate atmosphere.
Numerous runic inscriptions & carvings dated to the early Middle Ages can be seen inside!
Initially erected in the quaint village of Gol in Southern Norway, the church's fate took a fortunate turn when the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments intervened in 1880. They acquired the structure, rescuing it from imminent demolition. Its journey led it to its current abode within the Museum of Cultural History. This relocation was facilitated by King Oscar II, who not only procured the church but also integrated it into his open-air museum. Over time, this merged with the church's present location.
As one of the finest-preserved timber churches in the entire country, the Gol Stave Church stands out as a remarkable highlight within the museum's offerings. Its popularity is such that a modern replica was established in its original hometown of Gol. This replica, constructed in the 1980s, pays homage to the original church that was displaced a century earlier, replaced by a new structure.
Why You Should Visit:
Great to start your learning about Norway's old churches in an intimate atmosphere.
Numerous runic inscriptions & carvings dated to the early Middle Ages can be seen inside!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gol Stave Church on Map
Sight Name: Gol Stave Church
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour
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Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour
The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour
Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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