Høyjord stavkirke is one of the southernmost surviving stave churches in Norway, built around 1150 to 1200. It stands in the rural community of Høyjord in former Andebu municipality, now part of Sandefjord in Vestfold.
The church is a long-church type stave construction, meaning the nave and chancel form one continuous space rather than the more common central-pillar layout. This makes it architecturally distinct from the better-known stave churches further north. The building underwent a major restoration in 1939 that uncovered and preserved key medieval structural elements.
While it lacks the dramatic carved portals and dragon heads of churches like Borgund or Heddal, Høyjord has a quiet authenticity. It remains an active parish church, holding regular services for the local community. Visits are possible during the summer months.
The church is a long-church type stave construction, meaning the nave and chancel form one continuous space rather than the more common central-pillar layout. This makes it architecturally distinct from the better-known stave churches further north. The building underwent a major restoration in 1939 that uncovered and preserved key medieval structural elements.
While it lacks the dramatic carved portals and dragon heads of churches like Borgund or Heddal, Høyjord has a quiet authenticity. It remains an active parish church, holding regular services for the local community. Visits are possible during the summer months.
