Stave Church Norway: Hopperstad Church
I’d seen pictures of stave churches in Norway on the internet. Steeped in ancient history these impressive structures were a gateway to the past. I had to go and visit a stave church on my month long road trip through Norway , and so I did!
Where is Hopperstad Stave Church
The church is located in Vestland county. It lies just outside the charming fishing village of Vikøri, on the Sognefjord.
Table of Contents
Stave Church History
I don’t really want to go into the history too much as this is not a specialist website. But I’ll run over a few things regarding the history of stave churches in Norway, and in particular Hoppersad Stave Church.
Stave churches were built mostly in Scandinavia from the 11th century up to the 15th century.
Hopperstad stave church was built around 1130 and is one of the oldest stave churches in Norway.
The church is a triple nave design with 3 portals. The western portal has some fine examples of Middle Age wood carving. If you take a look at my video I filmed while there you’ll see some of the wood carvings close up.
Vikøyri
I thought it would be worth mentioning the small town of Vikøri as it’s worth staying overnight if your planning a visit to the stave church.
I stayed at the local campsite. The campsite is quite basic but functional with a small orchard in the centre of the site.
Norway’s biggest fjord
The town itself at the mouth of the river Vikja on the south shore of the Sognefjorden.
Even if your passing through, I’d suggest taking a walk along the shore line to take in the spectacular views of the fjord.
Scandinavian road trip
Hopperstad stave church was one of many places I visited during my month long road trip through Norway. Check out some of the other places I visited below.
Norway Travel Posts
Hopperstad Stave Church
Facts-
Opened 1130 AD
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Capacity 30
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Parish - Vik
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Style Romanesque / Gothic
