Ringebu

        Ringebu Stave Church, from the 13^th century, Valley of Gudbrandsdal, Norway

 

                                                           Photographed in 2007

 

Ringebu is the largest of the five stave church in Gudbrandsdal Vallley - the other four being Garmo, Favang (not on everyone’s list of stave churches), Vaga and Lom.  It is located high on a hillside and the church’s red steeple can be seen from the Trondheim – Oslo train that runs along the opposite side of the valley.

 

In ancient times, pilgrims on their way to or from Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim traveling on what was called the King’s Road, often stopped at Ringebu for a blessing and comfort during their difficult and dangerous journey. Today, it is still a parish church and is in daily use.

 

The climb up the steep hillside will leave you breathless. Don’t know how Norwegians do it; no need to wonder why they usually port thin physiques.

 

 

The nave is the only part that remains of the original church. In the 17^th century, the church was expanded to a cruciform shape and the lofty steeple was added.

 

I was unable to see the church interior as I arrived just past closing time that summer day. Closing time is quite early even though with the white nights, it gets dark very late.  And I think I learned the reason why that day visiting Ringebu. Public transportation stops running quite early and I had an extremely difficult time getting back to my already paid for hotel room and luggage some distance away.  And I learned a valuable lesson; you should not only check transportation timetables to a particular place but also you should check exit timetables to make sure you can get out.

 

From pictures of the church interior, it is easy to see that the post-Reformation decoration is quite opulent. The altarpiece was carved in 1686, the pulpit in 1703 and wall paintings were added in 1720. During the 20^th century, an organ was installed and weekly concerts are given there during the summer months.  

 

In the 1980s, archaeological surveys were conducted under the church. Nine hundred old coins, mostly from medieval times, were found.

 

Ringebu is 60 kilometers north of Lillehammer.