Urnes Stave Church

About

UNESCO
Urnes Stave Church , the oldest of Norway's stave churches, is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. It was built around 1130 AD, but the distinctive carvings on the north portal are from an even older church.

Samples taken from the base timbers show that the timber was felled between 1129 and 1131. Besides the present church, there have been two other stave churches on the same site. The last of them was built in the second half of the 11th century.

Parts of this building have been incorporated into the present church: a portal, exterior planks and a corner stave, decorated with superb carvings that have been designated the Urnes style.

The stave churches are unique and are Norway's most important contribution to world architecture. Urnes Stave Church, which is owned by the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments, was added to the World Heritage List in 1980.

149 reviews

Traveler's Choice
Certificate of Excellence 2018

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

Excellent
103
Very Good
35
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
3

Recent Reviews:

BandPBliss
San Jose, California
Trip type:
Couples
Well worth the Trek to get there!
Wednesday, 19th September 2018
Unlike the Borgund Stave Church (which you can drive right up to, and which has has a fancy museum and restaurant), the Urnes Stave Church is a bit of a challenge to get to. We first had to rent a... Read full review
Lonelobster
Vancouver, Canada
Trip type:
Couples
Well Worth It
Saturday, 29th September 2018
This is one of, if not the oldest stave church in Norway. It dates back to 1139. For about 80 NOK, you get a guided tour of the interior. These churches are an integral part of Norways cultural... Read full review
Andrea W
Matawan, New Jersey
Trip type:
Family
Amazing stave church, stunning location
Monday, 1st October 2018
We took the ferry from Solvorn (which was already totally worth the trip!) across the Lustrafjord and then drove up the mountain to the little stave church. Urnes Stave Church is from the 12th... Read full review

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Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Adults	NOK90.00 per person
Children	NOK70.00 per person
Family ticket	NOK220.00 1 day
Student	NOK70.00 per person

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Map & Directions

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