Photo: Jiri Havran, Directorate for Cultural Heritage
Inscribed on World Heritage List in 1979
Urnes stave church is an example of very skilled craftsmanship and has exceptionally fine wooden carvings. It was once a private church for a powerful high-born family at Urnes. The builders were aware of international trends in architecture, and transferred these trends from stone to wood. The interior of the church is exceptionally richly decorated. Urnes church is protected according to the Cultural Heritage Act.
Urnes stave church is now being restored. The restoration will be finished in 2010. Meanwhile, the visitors of Urnes are offered an exhibition about the church.