Old Aker Church

Oslo, Norway

Old Aker Church (Gamle Aker kirke) is Oslo's oldest remaining building and the only remaining church from the Middle Ages. It is assumed that it was built around the year 1150. It is a stone church, built as a three-naved Roman-style basilica.

The church has been pillaged and ravaged by fire several times. The oldest part of the surrounding churchyard dates back to the 12th century. The church has a baroque pulpit and baptismal font from 1715. The tower was built in 1861.

The church was built over an old silver mine, Akersberg which was in use since the early Viking age. The mines are mentioned in the 1170 Historia Norvegiae. The mines must have been the inspiration for a number of stories about the church having hidden silver treasures and even dungeons with dragons.

References:

Address

Telthusbakken 13B, Oslo, Norway

See all sites in Oslo

Details

Founded: c. 1150
Category: Religious sites in Norway

More Information

www.visitoslo.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Oscarsborg Fortress (28,9 km)
Sister Churches (50,7 km)
St. Margaret's Church (8,1 km)
Hurum Church (38 km)
Nesodden Church (13,5 km)
Haslum Church (10,1 km)
Grorud Church (8,6 km)
Ski Church (23,3 km)
Karljohansvern (56,4 km)

User Reviews

Chris Bartlett (2 years ago)
What an amazing church. Went there for a wedding. Visit if you can just to see one of the oldest buildings in Oslo. It is worth it. Simple beautiful

Goran A. (2 years ago)
As it is a little away from the center, walking to it is definitely worth as it is one interesting building that has somewhat traditional church architecture, but the interior is very captivating as it has very thick columns and quite good religious atmosphere.

xench (2 years ago)
Oldest church in Oslo, worth the visit when you’re nearby, has a cemetery included.

Denis Sakhno (3 years ago)
We were fascinated by this old church and the street that leads to it - Telthusbakken

Marie F. (4 years ago)
The oldest standing medieval building in Oslo is Gamle Aker church, beautiful and unforgettable. Old cemetery with spectacular view over city.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.