Trondenes Church

Harstad, Norway

Trondenes Church is the northernmost medieval stone church of Norway. Though frequently mentioned as a 13th-century church, dating based on dendrochronology places its completion shortly after 1434. Compared to the other ten north Norwegian medieval stone churches, Trondenes church is well preserved and the exterior is close to the original state. The nave is 22.6 metres long and the chancel is 13.5 metres, making it one of the largest medieval churches of rural Norway. In the late Medieval period, Trondenes served as the main church centre of Northern Norway.

The church is especially known for its rich decorations, including three gothic triptychs, one of which is made by the German Hanseatic artist Bernt Notke. The baroque pulpit is equipped with an hourglass to allow the minister to time long sermons. The organ dates from the late 18th century. In the choir section, one can see remnants of medieval frescoes.

The church is probably the third church on the site, the first stave church was built in the 11th century, the second in the 12th. The second church was fortified with stone walls and ramparts, remnants of which can be seen around the church.The church used to have a little turret, which was demolished. Now the bells are rung from a little tower in the graveyeard.

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Founded: c. 1434
Category: Religious sites in Norway

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

S Lai (5 months ago)
Amazing history church.
Jean Luc Picard (10 months ago)
Wonderful mediaeval church. Also site of a German POW camp where thousands of Russian Prisoners died. If you don't fancy the walk (3km) just get on the number 10 bus from the centre of Harstad.
Gary Brazel (2 years ago)
An attractive and historic church in a beautiful location.
Rajesh Nair (2 years ago)
Beautiful church and history of soviet POW graves interred after world war 2
Ryszard Całka (2 years ago)
Very nice view??
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Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.