Gol Stave Church

13th-century stave church from Gol, now preserved at the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo — a masterpiece of Norwegian medieval woodcraft.

The Gol Stave Church is one of Norway's oldest surviving stave churches and now stands within the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo. Originally built in the 13th century in Gol in the Buskerud region, it was relocated to Oslo in 1884 to preserve it for future generations. Architect Waldemar Hansteen reconstructed it in 1885, modelling it on the well-known Borgund stave church. The 14-mast structure of dark wood, adorned with curving dragon carvings along the rooflines, is a compelling testament to medieval Norwegian craftsmanship. Medieval paintings in the choir and apse lend the interior a profound sense of dignity. A unique piece of Norwegian spirituality and artisanship.