Hvaler church is probably one of the oldest in Norway. According carbon dating methods on wood samples analyzed in 1960 it was originally built between 920 and 1080 AD. The current church nave dates mainly from the 12-13th centuries. Archeologists carried out extensive excavations during the restoration from 1953 to 1956. They discoverede there was a fireplace under the foundations dating from the age between 120 BC and 80 AD. There may have been a prehistoric pagan site of worship on the church site. Archeologists also found 804 coins under the choir floor. While many originate from Norway, some are from Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Most of the coins date from the Middle Ages, the oldest is from 1130.
Hvaler church was privately owned from 1724 and became as a municipal property in 1860. The Renaissance style pulpit is from 1620. During its renovation in 1734, Andreas Schavenius, who later owned the church from 1759 to 1778, gave and mounted the canopy and Rococo ornaments. The limestone baptismal font dates from 1250-1300.
The Rococo style altar is from about 1750 and given by Andreas Schavenius. Featured on the altarpiece from 1759 is Eggert Munch's oil painting of the crucifixion. On the altar are two large brass candlesticks probably originating from Holland about 1600.
References: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.