Church Tours

On Tuesday this week, we were in Trondheim, Norway, and had the opportunity to visit three very distinct churches. The weather in the morning was not ideal, but when you’re traveling and only have one day to explore, you have to make the best of it!

Two of the churches are at the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folkemuseum (think Old World Wisconsin). The Haltdalen Stave Church was originally built in the 1170s in the village of Haltdalen. The church has been disassembled several times, which has led to repeated repairs. Significant portions of the existing building are original parts that have been preserved for over 800 years, some sections have been rebuilt over the years. After the outbreak of World War II in 1940, the stave church was taken down to protect it. In 1949, the church was assembled for the last time at the location where it is still standing today. 

The second church was first built in Lo in Åsenfjorden, Levanger, Nord-Trøndelag, and it wasn't always a church, as it spent some time as a "fish house." The church's simple altarpiece has been replaced by a medieval crucifix from Mosvik, Nord-Trøndelag. 

The third church is the impressive Nidaros Cathedral, the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Olav, the Viking king who converted Norway to Christianity. We were in the cathedral when the organ was being tuned for an organ recital Tuesday evening. Luckily, the organist gave a little impromptu concert after the tuning was finished.

The three churches all evoke awe for the work it took for each of them to be built and survive over the years. While they all have historical importance, they still hold for believers a sense of mystery for those who come to worship and consider the God who inspired their construction.

At the Nidaros Cathedral, I lit a candle in thanksgiving for Dr. Martin Luther Church and its congregation, which has become the place where I experience the mystery of God each time I worship.

See you in church!