Visit Borgund Stave Church

Half-Day trip from Flåm, Aurland or Lærdalsøyri to Borgund Stave Church

Stave churches are among the most distinctive features of Norwegian cultural heritage. Just a short drive of about an hour from Flåm lies Borgund, one of the best-preserved stave churches in the country. During the summer season, we now offer two bus departures from Flåm via Aurland to Borgund, with admission to the stave church included in the price. Choose between the morning departure or the afternoon departure. It couldn't be easier!

The combination of a stay in Flåm with a visit to Borgund allows you to experience the best of the region’s natural and cultural heritage!

Visitor centre

Entry to our visitor centre is included. Here you can learn about the history of Stave Churches in Norway and visit the exhibition "Unique Viking Age Finds" which showcases discoveries from the early Viking Age (9th century). Here are also a café selling refreshments and a souvenir shop.

Borgund Stave Church

The church, dating back to the 12th century, is a masterpiece of Norwegian medieval architecture and has a unique atmosphere. The church is the epitome of the architecture many associate with stave churches. Large parts of both the exterior and interior have been preserved. The church has a seven-tiered roof with the typical dragon heads and galleries, as well as portals with intricate carvings.

The decoration is equally detailed and fascinating on the inside. Here, you can see the 14 pillars (staver) on which the church is built and gain insight into what it was like both before and after the Reformation.

In the mid-1800s, the church, which is approximately 40 square meters, became too small. The population was increasing, and a new law stated that a minimum of 30% of the congregation should have seating. Therefore, a new church was built, and the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments took over the stave church.