Ringebu Stave Church
Ringebu Stave Church in Gudbrandsdalen was built around 1220 and is one of 28 remaining stave churches here in Norway, and one of the largest. The most exciting thing in the stave church is the original part from about 1220 with carvings at the entrance, the columns and the St. Andrew's crosses.
Ringebu Stave Church in beautiful Gudbrandsdalen was built around the year 1220 and is one of the largest and one of only 28 preserved stave churches in Norway. The most fascinating feature of the church is the original part from 1220, which has impressive pattern carvings around the entrance, columns and the characteristic St. Andrew's Crosses.
### About the stave church
The church is richly decorated in Baroque style, with King Frederick IV's monogram from 1703 in the choir opening. Its pulpit is also from this period, while the baptismal font is made of soapstone. Located about 60 km north of Lillehammer, the stave church is easily reached by an exit from the E6, one kilometer south of the center of Ringebu itself.
It is claimed that the church stands near a pre-Christian place of worship, connected to the farm Vang, about 1.5 km north of the vicarage. Although the church's origins are often dated to 1220, analyses show that the timber dates from 1192/93. In the 1630s, the church underwent a rebuilding and got its current cruciform shape. It has preserved parts of medieval art as well as iconic details such as animal ornamentation at the west portal, which can be compared to the portal in Torpo stave church. The Baroque-style altarpiece in the choir was made by Johannes Skråstad in 1686 and depicts central Bible stories such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension.
Visitors should note that the church may be closed due to church ceremonies such as church services, weddings, and funerals. During the summer season, however, atmospheric concerts are arranged in the church.
### Discover Ringebu municipality
Ringebu, which is located in Gudbrandsdalen, borders Stor-Elvdal, Øyer, Gausdal and Sør-Fron, and is part of Oppland. The municipality's largest towns are Vålebrua and Tromsnes. During the Olympic Games in 1994, Kvitfjell ski resort in the municipality was the arena for the downhill races—perfect for those who love skiing holidays in Hafjell or nearby ski areas.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Norwegian medieval history or enjoy the proximity to stunning ski resorts like Hafjell, Ringebu Stave Church is a destination that combines history and culture with a scenic location. Look forward to a unique experience in the heart of Gudbrandsdalen - perfect as an addition to your next ski holiday in Norway!
### About the stave church
The church is richly decorated in Baroque style, with King Frederick IV's monogram from 1703 in the choir opening. Its pulpit is also from this period, while the baptismal font is made of soapstone. Located about 60 km north of Lillehammer, the stave church is easily reached by an exit from the E6, one kilometer south of the center of Ringebu itself.
It is claimed that the church stands near a pre-Christian place of worship, connected to the farm Vang, about 1.5 km north of the vicarage. Although the church's origins are often dated to 1220, analyses show that the timber dates from 1192/93. In the 1630s, the church underwent a rebuilding and got its current cruciform shape. It has preserved parts of medieval art as well as iconic details such as animal ornamentation at the west portal, which can be compared to the portal in Torpo stave church. The Baroque-style altarpiece in the choir was made by Johannes Skråstad in 1686 and depicts central Bible stories such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension.
Visitors should note that the church may be closed due to church ceremonies such as church services, weddings, and funerals. During the summer season, however, atmospheric concerts are arranged in the church.
### Discover Ringebu municipality
Ringebu, which is located in Gudbrandsdalen, borders Stor-Elvdal, Øyer, Gausdal and Sør-Fron, and is part of Oppland. The municipality's largest towns are Vålebrua and Tromsnes. During the Olympic Games in 1994, Kvitfjell ski resort in the municipality was the arena for the downhill races—perfect for those who love skiing holidays in Hafjell or nearby ski areas.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Norwegian medieval history or enjoy the proximity to stunning ski resorts like Hafjell, Ringebu Stave Church is a destination that combines history and culture with a scenic location. Look forward to a unique experience in the heart of Gudbrandsdalen - perfect as an addition to your next ski holiday in Norway!
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Contact information
- +47 61 28 43 50
- [email protected]
- Gråvåbakken 104 - 2630 - Ringebu