Norway: Hopperstad Stave Church
Hopperstad Stave Church, built in the 12th century, is another gem among the medieval Norwegian wooden churches with stunning architecture and setting in the most improbably picturesque locations on the fjord edges. It is though that the church was built in 1130, although recent log samples taken from the church’s structure were dated at 1034, making it the oldest stave church in Norway. The church is still standing in its original location and has never been moved – overlooking the fjord in a spectacular panorama. The church has three portals and three naves and is very richly decorated with wood carvings and painting in the interior.
