Location

Trondenes in Harstad.

Directions

Follow road 83 north out of the center of Harstad. Turn right at the roundabout at Sama, and follow the signs out to Trondenes church.

You can either park at Trondenes church or up by the crematorium.

Description of the attraction

Trondenes Church is the world's northernmost church from the Middle Ages (end of the Viking Age approx. 1066 to the Reformation in 1536). It is assumed that the foundation may have been laid just before or around the year 1200. Construction continued in several stages. Parts of the roof can be dated to the 15th century, while other parts to the early 16th century. In 1989, Norway's oldest sail was found in the roof structure. The sail is a wool sail, and is dated to 1390-1400 AD. Limestone paintings and an altar well are from the 14th century.

The church is considered to be the medieval church in the north with the richest inventory. Only parts of this equipment have been preserved. Among other things, only three of the original 7 medieval altar cabinets have been preserved. (see pictures) These are: the Marian cabinet, the High Altar cabinet and the Birgitta cabinet. In both Catholic and post-Reformation times, it was considered to be the largest and most beautifully equipped church north of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

Around the church and the cemetery there are walls which may be the remains of a fortification from the 12th century. These walls were supposed to protect against attacks from Karelians and Russians.

Difficulty and time use

The church is about 3 km from the center of Harstad. It is easily accessible by car, bus and bicycle. You can also walk "Stien langs sjøen" from the center of Harstad.