Why Norway’s Spectacular Stave Churches Are At Risk
Norway is in danger of losing the tools and expertise needed to preserve its historic wooden churches.
Hundreds of years ago, more than 1,000 stave churches stood in small communities across Norway. Today, just 28 stave churches remain standing.
Those remaining require careful maintenance. But the number of skilled craftspeople is dwindling, threatening the future of these exquisite buildings.
Heddal stave church
Almost 1,000 years old
Noone is entirely sure how old the churches are. The earliest written records of Heddal stave church date to 1315, but some believe it’s older than that. The UNESCO-listed Urnes stave church is believed to be from the 12th-century.