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Eidsborg Stave Church

Type:Church

Museumsvegen 9, 3891, Høydalsmo

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 29 reviews29 reviews

Add Eidsborg Stave Church to your Itinerary

From NOK70.00
Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • A guided tour of Eidsborg stave church. Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • Product Image
  • Eidsborg stave church.
  • Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • Product Image
  • Eidsborg stave church.
  • Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark Museum.
  • Product Image
  • Eidsborg stave church, Vest-Telemark museum.

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About

Join the guide on a fascinating journey through 800 years. Hear the story of the stave churches in Norway and how the church in Eidsborg has changed from the 12th century onwards, in step with faith and custom. Here, you will also hear the tale of the patron saint figure, Nikuls.

The stave churches are considered Norway's contribution to world architecture. In the Middle Ages, there were probably more than 1,500 stave churches. It was long assumed that Eidsborg Stave Church was built between 1250 and 1270. However, new research results from 2024 (based on samples from 2023) conclude that the church may have been built just before 1150 – a full 100 years earlier than previously thought! This places Eidsborg Stave Church among the five oldest stave churches in the country.

Eidsborg Stave Church is one of the best preserved of the country's 28 medieval stave churches. It is the second church in Eidsborg, replacing a post church that stood on the same site. Inside the church, you will find the icon of St. Nicholas, or Nikuls as the local people called him. A special cult grew up around this figure, with unique characteristics found only here.

Through ecclesiastical decrees, reforms, changes in ownership, shifts in faith, fashion, and space requirements, the church has been altered over the centuries. The stave church was fully restored in 2010 after three years of work. A further three-year project involving new rounds of tarring was completed in the spring of 2020. In 2008, a history book about the church, written by religious historian Øystein Morten, was published. The book can be purchased in the museum shop at the Vest-Telemark Museum.

The church is a living parish church with services and wedding ceremonies held between May and September. For more information, see the church's website: www.kyrkja.tokke.no

Visit and Guided Tours

During the season, guided tours are offered at fixed times three times a day, within the opening hours of the Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg, provided this does not conflict with church activities.

Outside of opening hours, group tours can be booked all year round, weather permitting.

Take a Digital Tour: You can also explore the stave church through a 360-degree virtual tour online.

Facilities

Museums, Galleries and crafts

  • guided tour by appointment
  • guided tour during opening hours

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      13
    • Very Good
      15
    • Average
      2
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      0

    Recent Reviews:

    • Navigator645184
      Costa Rica
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Beautiful
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 4th January 2020
      This was the most beautiful church we saw while in Norway. We were passing by this to go to our destination. It was night time but it was well lit. I was very happy that we stopped to see it. Read full review
    • kates012
      Odense, Denmark
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Beautiful church
      4 of 5 stars
      Friday, 7th August 2020
      Our visit to the church and the adjoining museum was very informative and interesting. It was such a wonderful way to learn about Norwegian history and culture. The church was small but it was still... Read full review
    • goingwalkabout
      Tonsberg, Norway
      Very nice stave church
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 2nd June 2021
      This is a small, but very beautiful stave church. We came outside the opening hours, but it was worth stopping anyway. I have seen a lot of stave churches and really recommend stopping at this one. Read full review

    Guide Prices

    Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
    Adults (from 16 years) Museum, stave church and family parkNOK140.00 combination ticket
    Children 6-15 years Museum, stave church and family parkNOK70.00 combination ticket
    Family ticket Museum, stave church and family parkNOK370.00 1 day
    Groups min. 10 pers. Museum and Stave Church. Guide fee NOK 800,-NOK120.00 combination ticket
    Senior/Student Museum, stave church and family parkNOK120.00 combination ticket

    Prices are subject to change.

    Map & Directions

    Contact

    Tel: +47 35 06 90 90

    Opening Times

    Guided tours in the church at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 (1 May 2026 - 15 Sept 2026)

    * The church is not open between the guided tours.
    Off season the museum can organize guided tours for groups by pre-booking.

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