Borgund Stave Church

Photo: Marit Wøllo, Fortidsminneforeningen

Built around 1180 and dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. The church is exceptionally well preserved and is the most distinctive stave church in Norway. Some of its finest features are the lavishly carved portals and the crosses and carvings of dragon’s heads on the roofs.

Key Facts

• Built around 1180 AD • Located in Lærdal, Vestland • Considered Norway’s most complete stave church

Brief Overview

• Iconic multi-tiered roof structure with dragon head carvings • Exceptionally preserved original medieval construction • Surrounded by an almost untouched historic landscape

Unique Features

• Serves as the model for stave church design worldwide • Never significantly rebuilt or altered • One of the clearest examples of Norse-Christian transition architecture

Photo: Håvard Nesbø

History of the Church

The entrance to the stave church is at the Visitor’s Centre opposite the stave church. In our Visitor Centre we offer an exhibition on the history of stave churches in Norway, a restaurant and souvenir shop. The area surrounding Borgund Stave Church is rich in historic cultural heritage. Vindhellavegen, part of the Kings Road across Filefjell, is situated right by the church and offers beautiful walking possibilities. This renovated, historic path was awarded “Norway’s most beautiful road“ by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration in 2014. The Kings Road across Filefjell was one of the winners of the Europa Nostra Cultural Heritage Award in 2017. Borgund Stave Church is certified Environmental Lighthouse since 2010. Borgund Stave Church was purchased in 1877 by the National Trust of Norway (Fortidsminneforeningen) thereby saving it from demolition.