Set in the landlocked mountains north of Jotunheimen, Vågå Old Church represents a singular case among the renowned stave- or timber-framed churches of Norway. On the site of the current church, it is believed that a stave church, a medieval timber-frame structure, replaced a pagan temple as early as 1030, during the advent of Christianity in the region. (...)
Set in the landlocked mountains north of Jotunheimen, Vågå Old Church represents a singular case among the renowned stave- or timber-framed churches of Norway. On the site of the current church, it is believed that a stave church, a medieval timber-frame structure, replaced a pagan temple as early as 1030, during the advent of Christianity in the region. The present church was built in place of that building between 1625 and 1630 by Werner Olsen, using a similar construction technique. Olsen incorporated many elements from the previous church, thought to have been the second oldest stave church in Norway, into the new church.
Hundreds of wooden churches in Norway have perished in fires; their sometimes-remote settings do not allow rapid response from firefighters. Arson caused by anti-religious groups endangers the churches and necessitates specialized protective measures for their preservation. Vågå Old Church is a rare and important survivor.
