Quick Info

Visit Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes in a day

Timings: The timings of the attraction extend from 10:30 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

Entry type: Paid

Entry Fee: 35

Entry Details: NOK 35

summary

Fantoft Stave Church: A Symbol of Norwegian Heritage

Fantoft Stave Church is a reconstructed stave church in the Fana borough of the city of Bergen, Norway. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway, and is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.

Stave churches are a type of wooden church that was built in Norway and other parts of Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. They are characterized by their post-and-beam construction, their dragon-headed roof gables, and their elaborate carvings.

Fantoft Stave Church was originally built around the year 1150 at Fortun in Sogn, a village near the inner or eastern end of Sognefjord. In 1879, the new Fortun Church (Fortun kyrkje) was constructed as a replacement for the medieval stave church. Fantoft Stave Church was threatened with demolition, as were hundreds of other stave churches in Norway.

Fantoft Stave Church was bought by consul Fredrik Georg Gade and saved by moving it in pieces to Fana near Bergen in 1883. The church was rebuilt on Gade's property, where it served as a chapel for the family. During the reconstruction, the church was constructed as it is believed to have been originally.

Fantoft Stave Church is a three-nave basilica with a raised central nave. The church is built of wood, and the exterior is covered in shingles. The roof is gabled, with dragon-headed roof gables at the east and west ends of the church.

The church is richly decorated with carvings. The carvings depict scenes from the Bible, as well as Norse mythology. There are also carvings of animals, plants, and people.

The interior of the church is also decorated with carvings. The most notable carving is the altarpiece, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are also carvings of saints and other religious figures.

Fantoft Stave Church is a unique and important example of Norwegian stave architecture. It is a popular tourist attraction, and is also used for weddings and other religious ceremonies.

History of Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church was originally built around the year 1150 at Fortun in Sogn, a village near the inner or eastern end of Sognefjord. The church was built by the local people, and is believed to have been dedicated to Saint Olav, the patron saint of Norway.

The church was used for religious services for many centuries. In the 17th century, the church was renovated and expanded. A new bell tower was added, and the interior of the church was decorated with new paintings and carvings.

In the 19th century, the church was again renovated. The church was painted white, and the roof was covered with new shingles. However, the church was still in its original condition, and was one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway.

In 1879, a new church was built in Fortun. The old stave church was no longer needed, and was threatened with demolition. However, consul Fredrik Georg Gade bought the church and saved it from destruction. Gade had the church moved in pieces to Fana near Bergen, where it was rebuilt on his property.

The church was rebuilt as it is believed to have been originally. The church was painted white, and the roof was covered with new shingles. However, the original carvings were preserved.

In 1992, Fantoft Stave Church was set on fire by Varg Vikernes, a Norwegian black metal musician. The church was completely destroyed, except for the stone foundation and the dragon-headed roof gables.

The decision was made to rebuild Fantoft Stave Church. The church was rebuilt using the original plans and specifications. The church was reopened in 1997.

Architecture and Design of Fantoft Stave Church

The church is richly decorated with carvings. The carvings depict scenes from the Bible, as well as Norse mythology. There are also carvings of animals, plants, and people.

Significance of Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church is a unique and important example of Norwegian stave architecture. Stave churches were built in Norway and other parts of Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. They are characterized by their post-and-beam construction, their dragon-headed roof gables, and their elaborate carvings

Highlights of Fantoft Stavkirke

Fantoft Stavkirke offers a multitude of highlights that captivate visitors and history enthusiasts alike. One of its most notable features is its remarkable architecture, which reflects the intricate craftsmanship of medieval Norway. The church boasts the distinctive stave construction, characterized by wooden posts that support the structure, as well as elaborate carvings and dragon heads, all of which showcase the artistic skill of the era.

The historical significance of Fantoft Stavkirke is another prominent highlight. Originally constructed in the 12th century, it embodies centuries of Norwegian heritage and religious traditions. The church's tragic destruction by fire in 1992 and its subsequent meticulous reconstruction serve as a testament to its resilience and the determination to preserve Norway's cultural history.

The picturesque natural surroundings enhance the visit to Fantoft Stavkirke. Set in the serene Fana borough of Bergen, the church is enveloped by verdant landscapes, providing a tranquil and captivating backdrop for those exploring this historical gem. Visitors can also partake in the peaceful ambiance of the adjacent Fantoft Forest, making the experience a delightful combination of nature and history.

Overall, Fantoft Stavkirke is a destination that seamlessly merges historical significance, architectural beauty, and a serene natural environment, making it a cherished cultural and historical landmark in Norway.

Fantoft Stavkirke Overview

Fantoft Stave Church: A Symbol of Norwegian Heritage

The church is richly decorated with carvings. The carvings depict scenes from the Bible, as well as Norse mythology. There are also carvings of animals, plants, and people.

Fantoft Stave Church is a unique and important example of Norwegian stave architecture. It is a popular tourist attraction, and is also used for weddings and other religious ceremonies.

History of Fantoft Stave Church

The church was rebuilt as it is believed to have been originally. The church was painted white, and the roof was covered with new shingles. However, the original carvings were preserved.

The decision was made to rebuild Fantoft Stave Church. The church was rebuilt using the original plans and specifications. The church was reopened in 1997.

Architecture and Design of Fantoft Stave Church

The church is richly decorated with carvings. The carvings depict scenes from the Bible, as well as Norse mythology. There are also carvings of animals, plants, and people.

Significance of Fantoft Stave Church

Points Of Interest for Fantoft Stavkirke

Fantoft Stavkirke is a treasure trove of interest points that draw visitors into its rich history and unique architecture. Its most captivating feature is the stave construction itself, a prime example of medieval wooden church design. The intricately carved wooden details, including the iconic dragon heads on the roof, stand out as remarkable examples of craftsmanship from the past.

The church's history is another focal point, particularly the tragic fire in 1992 that consumed the original structure. The subsequent reconstruction was a meticulous and dedicated effort to restore this piece of Norwegian heritage, which adds a layer of resilience and cultural significance to the site.

For those interested in religious and spiritual history, Fantoft Stavkirke offers insights into the early Christianization of Norway and the fusion of Viking and Christian symbolism in its carvings. The church serves as a tangible link to the country's spiritual evolution.

Surrounded by the lush Fantoft Forest and nestled in the peaceful Fana borough of Bergen, the location itself is an attraction. The church's tranquil setting allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of Norway while exploring a living monument to its past.

In summary, Fantoft Stavkirke is a place of interest for its architectural uniqueness, historical value, religious significance, and the tranquil ambiance of its surroundings, making it a multifaceted destination for history and nature enthusiasts.

Best time to visit Fantoft Stavkirke

Fantoft Stavkirke is situated in a picturesque location in Bergen, Norway. Specifically, it is located in the Fana borough, which is a southern district of Bergen. Nestled amid lush greenery and surrounded by a serene natural environment, the church's setting is nothing short of enchanting. Its location allows visitors to appreciate the tranquility of the Norwegian countryside while experiencing the historical and architectural wonders of this iconic wooden church. The church's placement in Bergen also makes it easily accessible to both local residents and tourists, ensuring that it remains a well-loved and frequently visited landmark in the area.