August 13, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, Abigail covers Urnes Stave Church, located in Norway. This Scandinavian wooden church was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and established as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. Come learn about the history, travel tips if you plan on visiting and more.
Support our Sponsors and Affiliates at no extra cost to you and help make planning your trip easier:
Rain Repellant Puffer Coat: https://amzn.to/4dRnxh0
Barvita (Code ABIGAILVACCA gets you 15% off your first order): https://barvita.co/?ref=ABIGAILVACCA
Trip.com: https://trip.tp.st/i1ZwlPFC
Plannin (Save up to 40%!): https://plannin.com/en/search/stay?googlePlace=Urnes+Stave+Church&googleResult=ChIJAy-dvh7yFUYRdF1KHtBgbLw&refId=globaltreasures
AirHelp (Helps you get refunds for cancelled or delayed flights): https://airhelp.tp.st/jfs3ZFOO
Follow Global Treasures on Social Media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093258132336
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I am Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
(00:21):
the history, travel, tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1,223
World Heritage sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal, cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
(00:42):
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening toGlobal Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
(01:06):
to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please tell your friends aboutus and leave us a five star
review if you like what you hear.
Let us journey to the heart of Norway.
Nestled alongside the strikingSognefjord, the longest and deepest
(01:30):
fjord in the entire country.
Here stands a testament to a oneof a kind architectural legacy, a
12th century stave church at Urnes.
Imagine the scent of wood carriedthrough the air as you navigate
this medieval Christian Church.
An incredible specimen ofScandinavian craftsmanship that
(01:54):
blends diverse artistic traditions.
This is no ordinary wooden church.
From each individual shingle on theroof to two single bronze candlesticks,
every detail, every piece offurnishing was thoughtfully placed.
The construction speaksto the Vikings ingenuity.
(02:17):
A structure built fromsturdy timber supporting wall
planks that stand on stills.
A technique known as stave walls,which give these remarkable
buildings their very name.
The wood carving tradition of theVikings is demonstrated in the details
from the cylinder shaped columnsto the long basilica style layout.
(02:42):
Urnes offers a fascinatingglimpse into the Viking culture's
adoption of Christianity.
Depictions derived from Norwegianmythology, dating back to the 12th century
intermingle with Christian symbolism.
In these old stave churches itwasn't uncommon for Norse gods to
(03:03):
sit alongside the Christian God inthe artistic declarations of faith.
You'll see serpents locked in battlewith a cenotaur and other creatures such
as dragons from ancient norse tales.
Yet among these pre-Christiansymbols, you'll also see holy icons.
The church even has a figure ofthe Madonna illustrating the shift
(03:28):
from old ideologies to an entirelynew religious belief system.
As you admire the wooden doors whenfirst entering the church, consider
the amount of time and skill necessaryto produce the elaborately carved
details that grace every surface.
(03:49):
Spirals of snakes and vines serveas an optical illusion to the eye.
The 17th century interior additionsare photo worthy, as well, as the
colors are still incredibly vivid.
A wooden canopy, pulpit, andbaptismal font were added.
(04:09):
The main altar piece is Christ onthe Cross with John the Baptist, who
is a prophet and the virgin Mary.
The very earth beneath the churchholds three layers of history.
The remains of two earlier churcheshave been discovered underneath
Urnes, with graves discoveredunder the oldest church as well.
(04:32):
It's unknown who the bodies may belong to.
At one time, Norway had over1300 of these wooden sanctuaries,
perhaps as many as 2000.
However, as the population grew, theseesteemed churches often became too small.
(04:52):
In 1851, a law mandated thatall churches must accommodate
30% of the local population.
As new, larger churches were builtand gained favor due to better
lighting and other modern amenities,many of the original stave churches
were either knocked down or sold.
(05:15):
The above ground graveyard surroundingthe church enclosed by a worn stone wall
continues to be an essential part of bothits historical and cultural significance.
In fact, the graveyard isstill in use to this day.
However, the church has not had regularreligious services since 1881, and
(05:40):
it's now used for special occasions,joyous occasions, such as weddings.
Today this precious monument is ownedby the Society for the Preservation
of Norwegian ancient monuments.
The main concern in terms of historicpreservation lie in its wooden
(06:01):
construction, making it a major fire risk.
Yet newly installed technology servesas a preventative measure with advanced
fire protection systems and consistentmonitoring now in place to ensure
future generations will be able tovisit and enjoy this incredible church.
(06:22):
If you plan on visiting, here aresome tips and logistical information
that you may find helpful.
Check the show notes forinformation and links to help make
planning your trip a bit easier.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you can fly into Bergen and
then take public transportation toSolvorn to take the ferry to Urnes.
(06:47):
Some choose to take a day tripfrom Flam as well since it's
a popular cruise ship port.
However, note that the drive is abouttwo plus hours to the church from there.
Most spots throughout Europeare pretty easily accessible
by public transportation, butthis just isn't one of them.
(07:08):
That being said, theferry ride is gorgeous.
In this case, the journey is justas special as the destination.
Just generally speaking, you'llspend a lot of time taking photos
here, I can essentially guarantee it.
It may be worth bringing aportable charger just in case.
(07:31):
The site is about a one mile walk.
Well climb, I should say, fromwhere the ferry drops you off.
Make sure that you wear sneakers or bootsand be prepared to do some uphill walking.
This church is one of the most populartourist destinations throughout Norway and
brings in thousands of visitors each year.
(07:54):
While this isn't a lot per se, keep inmind that this is not a large church,
and they try to keep the number oftourists to a reasonable number each day.
So you want to plan ahead.
It's only open May through fallfor about seven hours a day.
So keep that in mind whendeciding on dates for your visit.
(08:17):
Admission tickets are required for thetours which you can purchase online.
Urnes and Solvorn are bothsmaller villages you may consider
staying in if your hub isn't oneof the larger towns or cities.
There are hotel and home stayoptions as well as restaurants.
They both have postcard level charm.
(08:39):
Some tours worth taking if you enjoythe outdoors and sports include
glacier hiking, ice kayaking, caving,Northern Light kayaking, and skiing.
You can also take a boat trip on LustraFjord and I've heard you can even
see seals and whales if you're lucky.
(09:00):
If you plan on visiting Bergenor Oslo while in Norway, I have a
suggestion Disney fans will appreciate.
Stave Churches like Orns inspiredthe architecture seen in Disney's
Frozen films as well as the lookfor the Kingdom of Arendelle.
They weren't based on Urnes specifically,but if you've been Epcot in Walt
(09:25):
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, andpassed by the Norway Pavilion, you'll
likely have seen the Stave Church.
Frozen themed tours areoffered throughout Norway.
So that may be somethingyou'll want to look into.
It rarely gets over 70 degrees Fahrenheit,even during peak summer season, so you
(09:47):
may want to bring a jacket with you.
If you want to see the Northern Lights,aka, the Aurora Borealis, the best
time to see it is November to January.
And if you aren't familiar withwhat this is, it's a natural
light show, if you will.
With flickers and swirls of multicolorlight that dances throughout the sky.
(10:10):
The language spoken is Norwegian.
That being said, it never hurtsto learn, at least please, and
Takk, or thank you in Norwegian.
Of course, I want to talk about the food.
The church itself does not havea cafe or restaurant on site, but
there is one within walking distancein case you need a refreshment.
(10:34):
No matter where you decide to stay, if youcan get to a farmer's market or smaller
homegrown restaurant, you won't regret it.
Norway has a rich culinary heritage andit's so special when we can dine at the
restaurants that bring us closer to thefarmers and purveyors growing the food.
(10:56):
There's a certain sensory experiencea thoughtfully prepared meal brings.
When you smell it and see allthe vibrant colors, it's an
adventure for the taste buds.
The national dish is Farikal, which islamb stew with cabbage, some spices,
and is often served with potatoes.
(11:19):
Given how cold Norway can get,warm comfort food just makes sense.
Urnes Stave Church stands as not just astructure, but as a historical landmark.
A tangible link to the medievalpast where Viking beliefs meshed
with Christian devotion in theheart of the Norwegian Fjords.
(11:44):
Join us for our next episode, wherewe'll cover Vezelay, Church and Hill.
This French pilgrimage spot isconsidered to be a beacon of Christianity
due to the belief that the churchholds relics of St. Mary Magdalene.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(12:11):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I am Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
(00:21):
the history, travel, tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1,223
World Heritage sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal, cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
(00:42):
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening toGlobal Treasures Podcast.
We appreciate all of your support and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
(01:06):
to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
Please tell your friends aboutus and leave us a five star
review if you like what you hear.
Let us journey to the heart of Norway.
Nestled alongside the strikingSognefjord, the longest and deepest
(01:30):
fjord in the entire country.
Here stands a testament to a oneof a kind architectural legacy, a
12th century stave church at Urnes.
Imagine the scent of wood carriedthrough the air as you navigate
this medieval Christian Church.
An incredible specimen ofScandinavian craftsmanship that
(01:54):
blends diverse artistic traditions.
This is no ordinary wooden church.
From each individual shingle on theroof to two single bronze candlesticks,
every detail, every piece offurnishing was thoughtfully placed.
The construction speaksto the Vikings ingenuity.
(02:17):
A structure built fromsturdy timber supporting wall
planks that stand on stills.
A technique known as stave walls,which give these remarkable
buildings their very name.
The wood carving tradition of theVikings is demonstrated in the details
from the cylinder shaped columnsto the long basilica style layout.
(02:42):
Urnes offers a fascinatingglimpse into the Viking culture's
adoption of Christianity.
Depictions derived from Norwegianmythology, dating back to the 12th century
intermingle with Christian symbolism.
In these old stave churches itwasn't uncommon for Norse gods to
(03:03):
sit alongside the Christian God inthe artistic declarations of faith.
You'll see serpents locked in battlewith a cenotaur and other creatures such
as dragons from ancient norse tales.
Yet among these pre-Christiansymbols, you'll also see holy icons.
The church even has a figure ofthe Madonna illustrating the shift
(03:28):
from old ideologies to an entirelynew religious belief system.
As you admire the wooden doors whenfirst entering the church, consider
the amount of time and skill necessaryto produce the elaborately carved
details that grace every surface.
(03:49):
Spirals of snakes and vines serveas an optical illusion to the eye.
The 17th century interior additionsare photo worthy, as well, as the
colors are still incredibly vivid.
A wooden canopy, pulpit, andbaptismal font were added.
(04:09):
The main altar piece is Christ onthe Cross with John the Baptist, who
is a prophet and the virgin Mary.
The very earth beneath the churchholds three layers of history.
The remains of two earlier churcheshave been discovered underneath
Urnes, with graves discoveredunder the oldest church as well.
(04:32):
It's unknown who the bodies may belong to.
At one time, Norway had over1300 of these wooden sanctuaries,
perhaps as many as 2000.
However, as the population grew, theseesteemed churches often became too small.
(04:52):
In 1851, a law mandated thatall churches must accommodate
30% of the local population.
As new, larger churches were builtand gained favor due to better
lighting and other modern amenities,many of the original stave churches
were either knocked down or sold.
(05:15):
The above ground graveyard surroundingthe church enclosed by a worn stone wall
continues to be an essential part of bothits historical and cultural significance.
In fact, the graveyard isstill in use to this day.
However, the church has not had regularreligious services since 1881, and
(05:40):
it's now used for special occasions,joyous occasions, such as weddings.
Today this precious monument is ownedby the Society for the Preservation
of Norwegian ancient monuments.
The main concern in terms of historicpreservation lie in its wooden
(06:01):
construction, making it a major fire risk.
Yet newly installed technology servesas a preventative measure with advanced
fire protection systems and consistentmonitoring now in place to ensure
future generations will be able tovisit and enjoy this incredible church.
(06:22):
If you plan on visiting, here aresome tips and logistical information
that you may find helpful.
Check the show notes forinformation and links to help make
planning your trip a bit easier.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you can fly into Bergen and
then take public transportation toSolvorn to take the ferry to Urnes.
(06:47):
Some choose to take a day tripfrom Flam as well since it's
a popular cruise ship port.
However, note that the drive is abouttwo plus hours to the church from there.
Most spots throughout Europeare pretty easily accessible
by public transportation, butthis just isn't one of them.
(07:08):
That being said, theferry ride is gorgeous.
In this case, the journey is justas special as the destination.
Just generally speaking, you'llspend a lot of time taking photos
here, I can essentially guarantee it.
It may be worth bringing aportable charger just in case.
(07:31):
The site is about a one mile walk.
Well climb, I should say, fromwhere the ferry drops you off.
Make sure that you wear sneakers or bootsand be prepared to do some uphill walking.
This church is one of the most populartourist destinations throughout Norway and
brings in thousands of visitors each year.
(07:54):
While this isn't a lot per se, keep inmind that this is not a large church,
and they try to keep the number oftourists to a reasonable number each day.
So you want to plan ahead.
It's only open May through fallfor about seven hours a day.
So keep that in mind whendeciding on dates for your visit.
(08:17):
Admission tickets are required for thetours which you can purchase online.
Urnes and Solvorn are bothsmaller villages you may consider
staying in if your hub isn't oneof the larger towns or cities.
There are hotel and home stayoptions as well as restaurants.
They both have postcard level charm.
(08:39):
Some tours worth taking if you enjoythe outdoors and sports include
glacier hiking, ice kayaking, caving,Northern Light kayaking, and skiing.
You can also take a boat trip on LustraFjord and I've heard you can even
see seals and whales if you're lucky.
(09:00):
If you plan on visiting Bergenor Oslo while in Norway, I have a
suggestion Disney fans will appreciate.
Stave Churches like Orns inspiredthe architecture seen in Disney's
Frozen films as well as the lookfor the Kingdom of Arendelle.
They weren't based on Urnes specifically,but if you've been Epcot in Walt
(09:25):
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, andpassed by the Norway Pavilion, you'll
likely have seen the Stave Church.
Frozen themed tours areoffered throughout Norway.
So that may be somethingyou'll want to look into.
It rarely gets over 70 degrees Fahrenheit,even during peak summer season, so you
(09:47):
may want to bring a jacket with you.
If you want to see the Northern Lights,aka, the Aurora Borealis, the best
time to see it is November to January.
And if you aren't familiar withwhat this is, it's a natural
light show, if you will.
With flickers and swirls of multicolorlight that dances throughout the sky.
(10:10):
The language spoken is Norwegian.
That being said, it never hurtsto learn, at least please, and
Takk, or thank you in Norwegian.
Of course, I want to talk about the food.
The church itself does not havea cafe or restaurant on site, but
there is one within walking distancein case you need a refreshment.
(10:34):
No matter where you decide to stay, if youcan get to a farmer's market or smaller
homegrown restaurant, you won't regret it.
Norway has a rich culinary heritage andit's so special when we can dine at the
restaurants that bring us closer to thefarmers and purveyors growing the food.
(10:56):
There's a certain sensory experiencea thoughtfully prepared meal brings.
When you smell it and see allthe vibrant colors, it's an
adventure for the taste buds.
The national dish is Farikal, which islamb stew with cabbage, some spices,
and is often served with potatoes.
(11:19):
Given how cold Norway can get,warm comfort food just makes sense.
Urnes Stave Church stands as not just astructure, but as a historical landmark.
A tangible link to the medievalpast where Viking beliefs meshed
with Christian devotion in theheart of the Norwegian Fjords.
(11:44):
Join us for our next episode, wherewe'll cover Vezelay, Church and Hill.
This French pilgrimage spot isconsidered to be a beacon of Christianity
due to the belief that the churchholds relics of St. Mary Magdalene.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(12:11):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.