History

Painting by I. C. Dahl, 1820Before this church there was a wooden church on the same place. That church is assumed to have been built by Olav Trygvason, and it is possible that the present stone church is built around this church originally.

This church has been a landmark for the seafarers passing through the strait of Karmsund for 750 years. King Håkon IV Håkonsson gave permission to build a church around the year 1250. It was not completed until nearly 1320, and was then the fourth largest in the country. The church was dedicated to St. Olav and received the status of ”Royal Chapel”. During the same period it became one of four ”college-churches” ( it appointed a council of theological and juridical scholars). Probably there was a group of four scholars, and it could be there was an octagonal house of stone in close proximity to the quire. This is assumed to have been mentioned by Peder Clausen Friis in 1599. Remaining walls were visible as late as 1840, but are now completely gone. «Kapittelhus» are common for english cathedrals.

photo credit: -Kj.

The history of the church depicts a fine cross-section of Norway`s history. Being one of the largest churches along the coast of Norway, it is certainly to have been visited by many travelers on their pilgrimage to St. Olav`s shrine in Trondheim.

The decay started with the Black Death in 1349-1351. This disaster was followed by 400 years of Danish supremacy. In this period, the church gradually fell into a state of ruin due to lack of repair. In the 17th century a little wooden church was built inside the stone walls. This one was used for more than 200 years.

The first restoration work began in 1830. The old steeple was demolished, the nave was rebuilt, and a small wooden steeple was erected on the top.

In the 1920’s the church was once again restored in a manner which was more similar to its original architecture. A new stone steeple was built and the interior renewed.

The German occupation in World War II became dramatic for the church. The Germans asserted that the high steeple was used as a landmark for allied planes, coming in over the strait of Karmsund to drop bombs in the water. German authorities demanded the steeple to be demolished. Many people were engaged in the task of saving it, and they persuaded the Germans to let them camouflage the whole church with timber! This was to be done in 5 weeks, but the whole job lasted a year.

photo credit: Frans & all

The 700th anniversary of the church in 1950 was a big event for the community, with concerts and a historical outdoor play which pictured the Viking history of the place.

The stained glass windows were ordered for the anniversary. They were made by Bernhard Greve, a Norwegian painter, and present the most important events in the life of Christ : Baptism, passion, ascension and resurrection.

Design and architecture

The pointed arches, but thick walls and no pillars, suggest an early Gothic design. The walls are composed of ordinary gray stone in thickness about 1.2–2.0 meters. The corners and frames around the doors and windows are of steatite (soapstone) from ”Tolgetjønn” near Haugesund.

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary

photo credit: Skygge

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary (Norwegian:Jomfru Marias synål) is the only one remaining of several monumental stones which once stood around the church area. The stone has been somewhat taller, but, towering at 7.2 meters it is still the next largest of its kind in Norway. The stone leans in towards the church wall—the distance to the wall is in fact only 9.2 cm. A saga tells that “the day of Judgement will come when the stone comes into contact with the church wall”. A popular story tells us about the minister in the old ages climbing up the monument and cutting off a piece from the stone when it came dangerously near the church wall!

A visit to Akershus Castle is a journey through Norway’s history from the 12th Century until the present. You may admire the beautiful historically restored halls or marvel at the gloomy dungeons and dark hallways. Our guide will awaken the historical presence of Håkon V Queen Margrethe, Christian IV, ghosts and murderers, the Norwegian poet Henrik Wergeland and other exciting persons.

photo credit: bjaglin

Akershus Castle is under the custody of the Norwegian Armed Forces through Akershus Commandery. The Commandery of Akershus Fortress wishes to develop the castle as a destination for visitors to Oslo and welcomes you to the castle and the fortress.

GUIDED TOURS AT AKERSHUS FORTRESS

At Akershus Fortress we offer guided tours of the fortress’ outdoor area, of the old prison area and of the casemate; an underground vaulted room for canons. Schools, military and private groups, concerns and societies are all welcome to book guided tours. Daily, during the summer season, we offer guided tours for tourists and visitors at the outdoors area, the former prison and the fortification. These tours are free of charge.

Contact information Phone: +47 2309 3212

photo credit: C.Bry@nt

AKERSHUS CASTLE

Opening hours Akershus Castle
2nd of May – 31st of August
Monday-Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 12.30pm-4pm 1st of September – 31st of December
During these months you may only enter the castle by joining guided tours on Thursdays at 12pm (Norwegian), 13pm (English) and 14pm (Norwegian).
The tour is approximately 50 min. Please note that the castle or parts of it may be closed occasionally due to official functions.

Entrance fees

More information: Official Website

Nestling side-by-side in the middle of the historic city of Trondheim you will find Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. The Sagas and history have given the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace an honoured position among the tourist attractions in Norway. Always a bustling meeting-place, whether for religious or more prosaic pursuits, you will now find a house of God still very much alive, a popular arena for recitals and a highly praised museum.

King Olav Haraldsson was buried by Nidelven, the river Nid, after he was killed in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Tradition has it that the high Altar of the Cathedral now stands on the exact spot of this burial site. One year and five days after he died the King was declared a saint, and pilgrims began to flock to Nidaros and the King’s grave.

photo credit: Pammie76

Work on erecting the first stone church at St. Olav’s burial site commenced around 1070, and it is assumed that the Cathedral was finished in all its splendour some time around 1300. It was then held to be the most beautiful church in the entire country, which we of course claim it still is! Admittedly, the Cathedral has undergone a great deal of restoration work after centuries of decay, but now, after more than 130 years of restoration and rebuilding, we can really appreciate the impression the church must have made on medieval pilgrims.

photo credit: randywombat

Today the Cathedral continues to attract a great number of visitors. Each year we receive around 400 000 tourists from around the globe. The Cathedral also serves as the local parish church for inhabitants of downtown Trondheim with divine services given several times each week. Moreover, music recitals in the Cathedral offer sublime listening experiences under the high vaulted arches.

photo credit: csant

More info about Nidaros can be found here: Nidarosdomen

Sites with more info about Haugalandet and Bukkøy: Destinasjon Haugalandet | Visit Haugesund