Hopperstad

 

 

 

Hopperstad Stave Church built in 1130 in Vik, Norway

 

 



Hopperstad Photo 2007



Hopperstad is one of the oldest stave churches. In the 1880s it was scheduled for demolition as there was a new church that was larger and less drafty. It was saved from demolition by architect Peter Blix, who painstakingly restored the church to the medieval style we see today. In his restoration, he used Borgund Stave Church as a model of what it probably looked like in the 1100s. (See Borgund Stave Church). It took him 6 years to add the external gallery (which protects the external walls from the elements and adds to the characteristic appearance), the belfry, the apse with tower and spire and exterior shingles. The Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments bought the property from the town of Vik in the 1880s (www.fortidsminneforeningen.no) and has promoted and maintained the structure ever since.

 

 

Mini quilt of interior staves

 

 

Eight meter high staves provide the support for the elevated central space. Each of these staves is topped by a rectangular surface called a capitol. The interior staves that support the high nave are joined by diagonally crossed beams referred to as St. Andrew’s crosses (St. Andrew was crucified on a diagonal cross) and round arches that rest on the capitals. Above the round arches are the small round window ports that provide the only light that enters the church when the doors are closed. These tiny holes in the clerestory were as important for ventilation as for lighting.

 

Many stave churches are richly ornamented with biblical scenes painted directly on the walls. At one time, Hopperstad had painted wall decorations, probably painted during the 17^th century but during the restoration undertaken by Peter Blix, they were removed as he considered them “recent” innovations.  However, the rather austere interior provides a backdrop for two spectacular pieces of ornamentation: the renaissance altarpiece and the baldachin.

Renaissance altarpiece

Baldachin

 

The baldachin, which is probably from the first half of the 14^th century, is the finest example of what is considered to be an architectural rarity. It is attached to the interior staves on three sides. The fourth side is supported by a free-standing post. The posts of the baldachin are carved. These carvings include four heads: Christ, a king, a queen, and a monk. The ceiling of the baldachin is painted with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. There are also some inscriptions in Latin.

A replica of Hopperstad Stave Church has been constructed in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA (see Stave Church menu). A better perspective of the baldachin, albeit a replica, can be seen there.

Hopperstad, located in the town of Vik is one of five remaining stave churches located on or near the Sogn Fjord, Norway’s deepest fjord and one of its most beautiful. Vik can easily be reached by fast boat from Bergen. The other stave churches located close by are: Kaupanger, Urnes, Borgund and Undredal. Together, they are Norway’s oldest stave churches, probably the best preserved and architecturally some of the most stunning. Although these five stave churches are situated in close proximity, it is not easy or quick to go from one church to another. Ferries or boats must be taken, roads may only be one lane and buses are infrequent.