Ringebu Stave Kirke in Norway
Oppland, Norway


Ringebu Stavkyrkje


Ringebu Stave kirke
Ringebu Stavkyrkje, Oppland 2016
photo Elroy Christenson 2016

Ringebu
                  interior
Ringebu pulpit
Ringebu pues
Ringebu roof

Ringebu Stavkyrkje. 2016
photo Elroy Christenson 2016

This church is just south of the town of Ringebu and has a long history as one of the last remaining stave churches of Norway built about 1220.  At one time there were approximately a thousand of them scattered around the country.  Now there are only 28 surviving.  The principle problem with the design of the church is the way the foundation was done or not done.  The main supporting timbers were originally planted directly into the ground and  rotted in the wet and snowy season.  An earlier version of this church was discovered during excavations in 1980-81 such as the old post holes. These earlier versions may have actually been pagan sites for the worship of Odin and other Norse gods.  They are put together using no nails only dovetail joints.  The tower was only added in 1630. This one shows the incredible wood working skills of the earlier eras. Since this was built at a time of transition between the Norse gods and Christianity there are some remnants of pagan symbolism still visible such as Norse gods high up at the top of the pillars under the roof.   In this church two runic inscriptions, animal drawings and the figure of a man have been found crudely carved into the wall." The present church is still used for services but also a primary stop for tour buses.  Stones from much earlier graves have been removed to safer keeping under an awning behind the church.  This church is also on St. Olaf's Way, the pilgrimage route from Oslo to Trondheim. [Ringebu Stavkyrkje pamphlet 2016]


Oppland button
Where is this?

This partial map of Oppland comes from 1863
several farms on which our relatives have lived  back to the 1500's
[Norgeskart historical map - Amtskart]

Other stave churches
Lom Stavkyrkje                  Favang Stavkyrkje

source:

Elroy's Family Index || Rohne/Egeberg Lineage Map || Ancestor Chart #6

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All information and photos included within these pages was developed by the help of hundreds of researchers. The information here is for the express purpose of personal genealogical research and is freely offered as long as this site is listed as a source. It may not be included or used for any commercial purpose or included in any commercial site without the express permission of Elroy Christenson. Copyright Elroy Christenson 1998-2017.

web pages created by Elroy Christenson- elroy@next1000.com - last updated 2/13/17