Hopperstad Stave Church | Medieval Wooden Church in Vik, Norway

Q: When was Hopperstad Stave Church built?

Hopperstad Stave Church was built around 1130 CE.

Q: Why is Hopperstad Stave Church famous?

It is one of Norway’s oldest stave churches, renowned for its carved portals, Viking-style ornamentation, and dramatic mountain location in Vik.

Q: Can you visit Hopperstad Stave Church?

Yes, the church is open to visitors in the summer season, with guided tours and local heritage information available.

At a glance

Built: c. 1130 CE
Location: Vik, Vestland (Sogn)
Type: Triple-nave stave church
Materials: Pine staves, tarred shingles

Why it’s famous

Among one of Norway’s oldest stave churches
Viking-style carved wooden portals
Dramatic setting by the Sognefjord

Visitor information

Season: Summer (June–September)
Facilities: Guided tours, local heritage info
Time needed: 45–60 minutes

History & Architecture

Hopperstad Stave Church was built around 1130 CE and is one of the oldest stave churches in Norway. Restored in the 1880s by architect Peter Blix, it preserves medieval features and imaginative Viking-style ornamentation.

The carved portals show animals and intertwined vines that recall Norse artistic traditions. Its steep, shingled roof and location on a hillside above Vik make it a striking landmark in Sogn.

Hopperstad Stave Church exterior overview — Exterior overview

Carved roof details at Hopperstad — Roof details

Carved dragonhead at Hopperstad Stave Church — Dragonhead details

Getting There

Hopperstad is located in Vik, Vestland, overlooking the Sognefjord. It can be reached by ferry across the fjord or by driving through mountain passes.

Plan Your Visit

✔ Open in summer (June–September)
✔ Allow 45–60 minutes for church and surroundings
✔ Combine with a trip to Vikøyri and Sognefjord

While in Vik, explore the historic settlement of Vikøyri or take a ferry across the Sognefjord for spectacular scenery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hopperstad Stave Church built?

It was built around 1130 CE, making it one of Norway’s oldest stave churches.

Why is Hopperstad Stave Church famous?

Its age, richly carved portals, Viking-style ornament, and dramatic fjordside location make it unique.

Can you visit Hopperstad Stave Church?

Yes, during the summer season. Tours and heritage info are available in Vik.