Høre Stave Church

Photo: Fredrik Eriksen

Høre Stave Church has a basilica form, i. e. the middle nave is taller than the side naves. Over the roof there is an acute spire.

Key Facts

• Built in the late 1100s • Located in Vang, Innlandet • Still functions as an active parish church

Brief Overview

• Retains its original stave core within later timber additions • Interior features painted decoration and historic furnishings • Set in the scenic Vang area of Valdres

Unique Features

• Demonstrates how stave churches were expanded and adapted over time • Combines medieval structure with post-Reformation elements • Part of the rich Valdres stave church tradition

History of the Church

In the 1900th century the church was rebuilt and got a new choir and bigger naves. But the original construction of the nave from the 12th century is kept as a skeleton inside. The staves in the nave show clearly the original size of the building. The new panel-work in the church is not painted, neither is the roof or the benches, and the gorgeous carvings stand out in the room. The entrance to the choir and the pulpit are on the other hand richly decorated. The entrance, which has the inscription “Fearing God and honoring the King”, is from 1828, but has also parts from the Middle Ages. The two portals have carved animal heads with vines and branches growing out. The altarpiece, which is carved and painted by Tomas Tomasson Tørstad in 1800, is framed by carved flowers and foliage, with Christ on the cross flanked by Moses and Aron. The pulpit is probably made by the same artist. Except for a censer there is nothing left of the original Middle Age inventory in the church.