Eidsborg Stave Church

About

This small stave church is located close to West Telemark Museum, location Eidsborg.

Take a guided journey through 800 years of history… Hear about the Stave Church and the changes in beliefs and conventions over this period.
Learn about the legend of the Holy St. Nicholas. The church was dedicated to St. Nicolaus (locally called Nikuls), and a statue of this saint was very central in a local culture that remained well into the 1700s.

The Eidsborg Stave Church is one of the best preserved examples of the 28 protected stave churches in Norway. The unique building form is regarded as Norway’s contribution to world architecture.

In the Middle Ages, there were probably more than 1500 stave churches. For a long time, it was assumed that Eidsborg stave church was built between 1250 and 1270. In 2023, new samples of building parts were collected in the church. The report based on the test results came in the autumn of 2024, and the conclusion is that the church in Eidsborg may have been built just before 1150, i.e. 100 years earlier than we thought! This places Eidsborg Stave Church among the five oldest stave churches in the country.

The church was restored in 2005-2008 and is still in use. The stave church is of a kind that has the exterior covered entirely with chipping.
There are many interesting details to this church, such as runes, carvings, and interior décor from the 1600s and a bell tower from 1727.

Opening times

In the summer months (15 June to 15 August) there are guided tours to the church three times every day. The guided tours are included in the museum ticket. Please note that the church is closed for visitors when it is in use for weddings, religious services, funerals, etc.

In the shoulder season (1 May to 15 June, and 15 August to 15 September): Please ask the guide at the museum reception if you would like to see the church from inside.
 
Out of season the museum can organize guided tours by pre-booking.