Photo: Mari Kollandsrud
King Olav Haraldsson of Norway (1015-1030) is generally held to be the driving force behind Norway's conversion to Christianity. Christian symbols, however, suggest that at least the coastal areas of Norway were deeply influenced by Christianity long before Olav's time. What seems clear is that Olav made efforts to establish a church organization on a broader scale than before.
The king fell in the battle at Stiklestad July 29th 1030, and was later canonized. The celebration of St. Olaf was widespread in the Nordic countries.
At first a small wooden church was built at Stiklestad. The stone church we find today was built during the 10th century.