Olavskirken at Avaldsnes is a stone church from around 1250, built on the orders of King Håkon Håkonsson. It sits on one of the most historically charged spots in Norway, right where Viking kings held power for centuries before it.
The church itself is a solid medieval building, but what most people come to see is outside. Leaning against the north wall is a 7.2-metre standing stone called Jomfru Marias synål, the Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle. It is the only survivor of several monumental stones that once surrounded the site. The gap between the top of the stone and the church wall is just 9 centimetres. According to legend, the world will end when the stone finally touches the wall. Over the centuries, priests reportedly climbed the stone at night and chipped pieces off the top, just to be safe.
The church is part of the Avaldsnes complex together with the Nordvegen History Centre and the Viking Farm on Bukkøy. A single ticket covers all three. The church grounds also have several old burial mounds and a memorial cross.
The interior is simple but worth a look. Opening hours depend on the season; check at the history centre next door.
The church itself is a solid medieval building, but what most people come to see is outside. Leaning against the north wall is a 7.2-metre standing stone called Jomfru Marias synål, the Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle. It is the only survivor of several monumental stones that once surrounded the site. The gap between the top of the stone and the church wall is just 9 centimetres. According to legend, the world will end when the stone finally touches the wall. Over the centuries, priests reportedly climbed the stone at night and chipped pieces off the top, just to be safe.
The church is part of the Avaldsnes complex together with the Nordvegen History Centre and the Viking Farm on Bukkøy. A single ticket covers all three. The church grounds also have several old burial mounds and a memorial cross.
The interior is simple but worth a look. Opening hours depend on the season; check at the history centre next door.