On the island of Rennesøy, in the middle of the ancient Viking country, lies Sørbø Church – one of Norway's oldest stone churches. It was built between 1130 and 1150 by a local chieftain and marks the transition from Norse beliefs to Christianity.
An ancient centre of power
Before the church was built, the site is believed to have been a chieftain's seat with political and religious significance. It was common for the first churches in Norway to be built on old pagan cult sites, symbolising the new faith replacing the old. Sørbø was strategically located and was probably a gathering place as early as the Viking Age.
A masterpiece in stone
The church is Romanesque, with solid stone walls and details in soapstone from the surrounding area. Architect and medieval expert Håkon Christie called it ‘one of our most securely composed parish churches’ – a testament to good craftsmanship and artistic stonework.
Royal chapel
Sørbø Church has also played a central role in the history of the kingdom. In 1308, Sørbø was mentioned as one of King Håkon Magnusson's 14 royal chapels – only three of which still exist today.
Back to the Middle Ages
Over the centuries, the church has undergone several changes. In the 17th century, it was given a new interior in Renaissance style, and in 1884, much was removed and the walls were altered. Fortunately, the church was restored in the 1960s and recreated as it probably looked in the Middle Ages.
A living cultural monument
Today, you can experience Sørbø Church as a peaceful and beautiful gateway to the past, with a medieval baptismal font, a stained glass window by Victor Sparre and traces of both the Viking Age and ecclesiastical power.
