Download the app and start listening
GPS-guided audio guide while you walk.
About this place
Practical information
Points included in this audio guide
Medieval Western Portal
The Western Portal is the sole surviving element of Gol Stave Church's exterior to remain intact from the medieval period. It stands out for its elaborate wooden carvings and original wrought-iron fittings adorning the doorway. This portal represents a remarkable example of Norwegian medieval craftsmanship and offers a tangible connection to the church's 12th-century origins.
South Portal of the Nave
The south portal is a reconstruction carried out in Oslo using original fragments that had been repurposed in a porch during the church's early 19th-century expansion. Thanks to these preserved remains, architect Waldemar Hansteen was able to reassemble the portal at its new location on Bygdøy. This carefully restored entrance represents an important example of medieval craftsmanship recovered and relocated to the open-air museum.
Central Hall with Carved Poles
The central hall is the most distinctive interior space, defined by tall wooden posts that separate it from the surrounding ambulatory. These posts, largely retaining their original medieval materials, are topped with striking carved masks of grotesque faces—one of the most remarkable artistic features to see within the church. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the craftmanship of the period.
Choir and Apse with 1652 Paintings
The choir and apse of Gol Stave Church retain their original 1652 painted decoration, which survived intact when the church was relocated and reconstructed in Oslo. This distinctive interior feature dates from the post-Reformation period and represents one of the building's most significant original elements, having endured despite the substantial structural transformations the church underwent during its move.
Central Tower
The central tower crowning Gol Stave Church rises prominently from the roof ridge, defining the building's distinctive silhouette. What you see today is a 1880s reconstruction, fashioned after the tower of Borgund Stave Church, as the original did not survive. This striking wooden structure remains one of the most recognisable features when you visit this remarkable 13th-century church.
Hidden Medieval Graffiti
Hidden within the wooden church of Gol lie medieval graffiti concealed beneath the murals dating from 1652 that adorn the choir and apse. To see them, you'll need to ask the museum attendant to illuminate the carvings with a torch, as they're invisible to the naked eye amongst the later layers of decoration. What to see: these fascinating scratched inscriptions offer a glimpse into the church's medieval past.
- 1.Medieval Western Portal
- 2.South Portal of the Nave
- 3.Central Hall with Carved Poles
- 4.Choir and Apse with 1652 Paintings
- 5.Central Tower
- 6.Hidden Medieval Graffiti
Kids audio available
Kids version available with adapted and fun language for the little ones (14 min)
Prefer to discover on the go?
Buy photo credits and take a photo of any monument. Our AI will recognize it and you'll receive the audio guide instantly.
Share with your family
Share your audio guides with your family using a single access code.
Learn how it worksDownload Guipock and start exploring
Audio guides narrated while you walk. Available on the App Store.
