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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Address

Trondenesveien, Harstad, Norway
See all sites in Harstad

Details

Founded: c. 1434
Category: Religious sites in Norway

More Information

www.nordnorge.com
ultima0thule.blogspot.fi
www.visitnorway.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Christopher Knill (15 months ago)
Remarkable vestage from middle age Catholic Norway
Tony Larkins (19 months ago)
Old with history. Need to have a guide explain things though
Richard Pratt (20 months ago)
Lovely church but as a non believer, I did not really want to waste time sitting through a service, whish was a mandatory part of out tour. Would have liked more information on history of the church and it's fortification, which is unusual for a church.
Stuart Wilkinson (21 months ago)
Fascinating medieval church , nice cafe and museum nearby
Mark Eliot (2 years ago)
A lovely church next to an old russian POW camp and an interesting museum.
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