Grip Stave Church

The stave structure consists of four pairs of posts running along the length of the room. This load-bearing system, where vertical posts, or “staves,” are connected to a horizontal beam above and a sill below, is what gives rise to the term “stave church.” The church has a gabled roof covered with slate, with a roof turret above the ridge. The exterior is clad in wooden paneling, and a simple round-arched entrance portal is located in the southwest corner. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the church was completely rebuilt in 1621. The stave structure itself may, however, be older. Inside, the walls feature painted decoration from the 1600s, including a depiction of the Wise and Foolish Virgins along the upper north wall. The pulpit and baptismal font date from around 1870, while the pews were made during a restoration carried out between 1930 and 1932 under the direction of architect John Tverrdahl. On the altar stands a winged altarpiece with figures in rounded niches depicting St. Olav, the Virgin Mary with Child, and St. Margaret. The altarpiece was likely made in the Netherlands around 1500. At its base are two verses from the Book of Revelation, referring to the Marriage of the Lamb and the imminent return of Christ.