Norwegian stave churches
Norway is a country full of beautiful scenery and landscapes, which are highlighted by wonderful architecture. Some of the most unique buildings in Norway are the stave churches whose signature wooden facades and elaborate carvings are instantly recognisable. Let’s take a look at the history of stave churches, and highlight some of Norway’s most important ones!

What is a stave church?
Stave churches were built in Northern Europe, mostly in the Middle Ages, and are made almost entirely out of wood. While they were once common in north-western Europe, only 30 stave churches now remain. Out of these, 28 are located in Norway.
Evidence has shown that Norway was once home to around 2000 of these fascinating buildings, and with the vast majority of the world’s remaining stave churches being located in Norway, it’s a fantastic place for history buffs.

What makes a Norwegian stave church unique?
All Norwegian stave churches have corner posts, known as ‘staves’, a timber framework, and planks forming walls standing on sills. These are called ‘stave walls’ and are the reason they are known as stave churches.
All of the doors of the churches as well as tips of roofs are ornately carved with a variety of motifs. They often contain a mixture of Christian and Viking themes, including dragons, animals and people.

Norway’s must-see stave churches
Borgund Stave Church
Borgund Stave Church was built around 1180 and is a distinctive landmark in Lærdal. It is dedicated to the Apostle Andrew and boasts some of the finest carvings of any of the stave churches still standing. When you visit, keep an eye out for the elaborate dragons’ heads on its roof.

Tour to Borgund Stave Church and Stegastein viewpoint
Hopperstad Stave Church
Dating from around 1130, Hopperstad Stave Church can be found in Vik. It’s one of the two oldest stave churches in existence. The church went through a long period of neglect and was almost lost, but a timely renovation in the 1880s saved it from ruin. It is the only stave church in the world where the original narrow chancel opening has been preserved.

Fantoft Stave Church
Fantoft Stave Church has had a difficult past, with the reconstructed building currently being located in the city of Bergen. It was originally constructed in Fortun in 1150 before being moved to Fantoft in 1883. In 1992, there was a catastrophic fire and it wasn’t until 1997 that the church was fully rebuilt as an exact replica of the original.
Gol Stave Church
Built in approximately 1200, Gol Stave Church is another example of a building that needed some serious care and attention. It was bought by The Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments (Fortidsminneforeningen). They then presented it to the Norwegian king, King Oscar, who paid for its rebuild in 1884. Where parts of the original building were missing or beyond repair, inspiration was taken from Borgund Stave Church.
If you’re a history buff or interested in finding out more about Norway’s cultural history during your trip, these churches should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Whether you like art, architecture, ancient cultures, or simply enjoy looking at beautiful landscapes, these stunning buildings are not to be missed! The stave churches are full of history and will give you a unique insight into the wonderful country of Norway.

Get to know the Norwegians
The typical Norwegian cherishes nature and embraces the great outdoors. Minimalist in design and lifestyle, they prioritize practicality. Norwegians honor heritage and folklore, fostering a vibrant, inclusive society that blends tradition with a modern, open-minded outlook while embracing sustainability.

Traditional Norwegian food
Norway has a lot of interesting traditional food, and any travelers visiting Norway would do well to sample some of the local cuisines. Culinary traditions in Norway have been dominated by meat, fish, and seafood that could be hunted or caught. These days the Norwegian food space represents an interesting mix of old and new due to culinary influences from all over the world.

Why Norway Is Perfect for Adventure Travelers
Norway is often referred to as a dream destination for adventure travelers. The varied Norwegian landscapes provide adventurers with a rich diversity of outdoor activities to choose from throughout the year, including hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing, to name a few. There's no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had in Norway's great outdoors!

The 17th of May – Norway’s National Day
The 17th of May is Norway’s national day, and what a party it is! Though many countries mark their national day with military parades, Norway’s celebration is lighthearted and fun, with a special focus on kids enjoying this special day. In this article, we’ll tell you all about Norway’s Constitution Day, how it began, and how it’s celebrated across Norway today.

Why a Scanditour is the New Eurotour
Done the whole Eurotrip thing? Looking for some fresh insight into where your next travel adventure should be? Head over to Scandinavia, and Norway in particular.

What is ‘slow travel’ and why Norway ticks all the boxes
Have you ever felt more exhausted after a trip than before you left? Then you have probably done the exact opposite of slow travel! When slow traveling, there is no need for a vacation after your vacation.It is not about "likes" that generate hotspots on Instagram and overwhelmingly long bucket lists.

How to stay warm and koselig this winter
Anyone who has ever taken a trip to Norway during the winter season knows just how vicious the Norwegian winters have the potential to be. This is especially true for Northern Norway where you can find really cold temperatures. So how do Norwegians tolerate the cold and long winter? With the “philophy of koselig” of course.

Learn Norwegian words and phrases before your trip
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you might be interested in learning a few Norwegian words and phrases. It can be really helpful to have some handy phrases up your sleeve for communicating with locals during your upcoming trip to Norway, so we’ve prepared a great guide that will help you learn the lingo before you arrive!

Sustainable travel in Norway
These days, more and more travellers are focused on sustainable travel. People want to experience their dream destinations while minimizing the negative impact on the local environment and community. Fortunately, Norway is one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and plenty of measures have been taken to ensure that travellers can enjoy an eco-friendly Norwegian holiday.

Traditional Norwegian food
Norway has a lot of interesting traditional food, and any travelers visiting Norway would do well to sample some of the local cuisines. Culinary traditions in Norway have been dominated by meat, fish, and seafood that could be hunted or caught. These days the Norwegian food space represents an interesting mix of old and new due to culinary influences from all over the world.

Why Norway Is Perfect for Adventure Travelers
Norway is often referred to as a dream destination for adventure travelers. The varied Norwegian landscapes provide adventurers with a rich diversity of outdoor activities to choose from throughout the year, including hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing, to name a few. There's no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had in Norway's great outdoors!

The 17th of May – Norway’s National Day
The 17th of May is Norway’s national day, and what a party it is! Though many countries mark their national day with military parades, Norway’s celebration is lighthearted and fun, with a special focus on kids enjoying this special day. In this article, we’ll tell you all about Norway’s Constitution Day, how it began, and how it’s celebrated across Norway today.

Why a Scanditour is the New Eurotour
Done the whole Eurotrip thing? Looking for some fresh insight into where your next travel adventure should be? Head over to Scandinavia, and Norway in particular.

What is ‘slow travel’ and why Norway ticks all the boxes
Have you ever felt more exhausted after a trip than before you left? Then you have probably done the exact opposite of slow travel! When slow traveling, there is no need for a vacation after your vacation.It is not about "likes" that generate hotspots on Instagram and overwhelmingly long bucket lists.

How to stay warm and koselig this winter
Anyone who has ever taken a trip to Norway during the winter season knows just how vicious the Norwegian winters have the potential to be. This is especially true for Northern Norway where you can find really cold temperatures. So how do Norwegians tolerate the cold and long winter? With the “philophy of koselig” of course.

Learn Norwegian words and phrases before your trip
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you might be interested in learning a few Norwegian words and phrases. It can be really helpful to have some handy phrases up your sleeve for communicating with locals during your upcoming trip to Norway, so we’ve prepared a great guide that will help you learn the lingo before you arrive!

Sustainable travel in Norway
These days, more and more travellers are focused on sustainable travel. People want to experience their dream destinations while minimizing the negative impact on the local environment and community. Fortunately, Norway is one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and plenty of measures have been taken to ensure that travellers can enjoy an eco-friendly Norwegian holiday.