.png)
Norderhov Church in Norway, also known locally as "Ringeriksdomen" (The Abby of Ringerike), is a historic building dating back to the 12th century. Since I'm currently working at Ringerike Museum, which served as the church's vicarage for hundreds of years, I find the church's history extra interesting.
The church's heavy black medieval iron doors have witnessed countless footsteps of people from different times and places. Who were the priests who served here? What stories did they have to tell? What was everyday life like for the people who belonged to the parish? There are so many questions that need answering.
And the mummies resting in the crypt certainly add a touch of mystery to the fascinating history of the church and vicarage. It was a lot of fun going back in time and learning about Anna Colbjørnsdatter and her husband, Jonas Ramus. And let me tell you. It's quite the story!
The church also boasts a magnificent pulpit dating back to the late 16th century, making it one of the oldest in the country. It features a stunning altarpiece crafted in 1682 by the renowned Johannes Larsen Skråstad.
The Ancient and Mysterious Origin of the Name Ringerike
Ringerike is a name that goes back to the ancient Norse language. It means the kingdom of the rings, from the words hringr (ring) and ríki (kingdom). No one knows what the rings refer to, but maybe they represent the people who lived around the Tyrifjorden, a lake that formed a ring around the land.
Stone Age finds show that Ringerike has a long history of human settlement. The evidence also suggests that they practiced grain farming as early as 4000 BC.
Another clue of human activities in the area dates back to around the year 400, when a gold arm ring belonging to a priestess of the ancestor cult, a ritual practice that honored the spirits of the dead, was found. The arm ring is a stunning piece of craftsmanship, with intricate patterns and symbols carved on it. And I can't wait to learn more about this find and the ancestor cult in the future.
Vikings were also very active in this part of Norway. Ringerike was a land of abundance and opportunity that drew many people to its shores. The Vikings who settled there mastered the arts of farming, trading, fighting, and crafting.
And last but not least: one of our most famous Saints, Vikings, and Kings, Olav The Holy (Olav den Hellige), also known as Olav Haraldsson, grew up in the region. Olav was a key figure in bringing Christianity to Norway. But his greatest legacy was as the national saint, who died a martyr's death in the Battle of Stiklestad on 29 July 1030.
Exploring Norderhov Church: A Medieval and Historical Landmark in Ringerike, Norway
Behold the majestic Norderhov Church in Ringerike, a stunning stone monument that has existed for almost a millennia! This house of worship, constructed with local stone materials in 1170, showcases its medieval architecture and spirituality.
The church is part of the Ringerike municipality, surrounded by the charming scenery of the historic Norderhov village and the old red-painted 17th-century vicarage (now Ringerike Museum). The scenic 45-minute journey from Oslo to the church is a memorable experience that draws many visitors who marvel at the stunning scenery along the way.
The church was originally constructed in the typical long church style of the period. A "long church" is a distinctive and classic style of Scandinavian architecture with a long and spacious room called the nave (where the people gather) and a smaller and lower room called the choir that connects to the nave.
The Norderhov Church, now a cruciform church, has transformed over time. In the late 19th century, the choir and the apse were demolished, and the nave was enlarged with a transept (adding a north and south wing), creating a cross-shaped design.
Today, The church can host about 550 people and holds regular church services, weddings, funerals, concerts, and baptisms for locals and non-locals. This remarkable listed structure welcomes visitors in the summer, too. You can also enjoy a guided tour and learn about its rich history and curiosities, like the Norderhov mummies.
So, if you plan to visit Norway, why not explore this remarkable place's rich history and culture? Numerous legends, Viking kings, and historic battles have shaped its destiny.
Discover the 10 Most Mysterious and Historical Must-See Relics and Attractions of Norderhov Church
The church is a treasure trove of fascinating relics and attractions. The church features a baroque pulpit from 1582, an altarpiece from 1682, numerous paintings, and other curiosities. And if you are lucky, you can also visit the crypt where the mummies of Anna Colbjørnsdatter, the cunning priest's wife who deceived the Swedes in 1716, and her husband Jonas Ramus, a priest and a historian, lay to rest.
1. The Altarpiece: One of Many Mysterious Norwegian Church Relics
The most striking relic in the church, in my opinion, is the altarpiece. It is one of Norway's great works of the church baroque style. It was made by the famous woodcarver Johannes Larsen Skråstad (also written Skraastad) and completed in 1682.
The altarpiece is a magnificent example of the 17th-century's artistic skill and craftsmanship. It depicts various painted scenes from Jesus Christ's life, such as his birth, baptism, crucifixion, and resurrection. One of the church's hidden secrets is the bottom painting, right above the Bible, which portrays the Gethsemane scene, also called the Garden of Gethsemane.
This is where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest and crucifixion. This masterpiece is usually obscured by the priest standing before it during the service. Therefore, if you want to admire the painting of the Garden of Gethsemane, you should visit the church when the priest is not there.
At the top of the altarpiece is a painted and carved figure of Jesus as Salvator Mundi (Latin for Savior of the World). The altarpiece also has intricate carvings of other apostles and biblical people.
But the most fascinating part of the altarpiece is the figure of St. Laurentius, a Catholic saint who mysteriously appears in the altarpiece. All churches in Norway were Catholic until the Protestant Reformation in 1536, started by Martin Luther, who disagreed with the customs of the Catholic Church and started openly criticizing it because of the indulgences trade. However, the altarpiece was created in 1682, 150 years after the Reformation. It truly is a mystery that begs to be solved.
Fun Fact: No one can explain the presence of St. Laurentius, but there are many speculations. So the big question is: why does an altarpiece made in Protestant times show a Catholic saint? Some say he was a beloved saint in Norway before the Reformation, some say he was a sign of defiance against tyranny, and some say he was a blunder by the woodcarver. But that seems unlikely because other works of Skårstad also include the figures of St. Laurentius. Whatever the truth, the figure of St. Laurentius sure adds a pinch of intrigue to the altarpiece.
2. Discover the Ancient Pulpit of 1582: A Rare and Remarkable Relic in Norderhov Church
Another remarkable feature of Norderhov Church is the pulpit, which dates back to 1582 and is one of the oldest in Norway. The pulpit is made of wood and decorated with carvings and paintings depicting biblical scenes and symbols, along with inscriptions in Latin.
In the 1880s, the pulpit was thrown away as "worthless scrap" during a church renovation. But it was recovered and restored to its former beauty during a restoration of the church in the 1950s. The pulpit bears several Latin inscriptions that reveal its past. One reads: "This pulpit was created when Jens Nielssøn was the bishop, Rasmus Hjort was the dean, and Hans Pedersen was the parish priest in 1582."
Fun fact: You may have noticed that some pulpits are topped with a canopy, but do you know what it is for? I recently discovered it was not just for decoration. They help to amplify the preacher's voice and direct it towards the congregation instead of letting it dissipate in the air.
3. How Norderhov Got Its Name from the Norse God of the Sea and Wind
The ancient Norse people left behind a rich legacy of myths and culture that still fascinates us today. Norderhov, a place steeped in history and mystery, owes its name to this remarkable heritage.
Before Christianity spread across Norway in the 9th and 10th centuries, the people of Norderhov worshiped the old gods of the Norse. The village of Norderhov was named after Njord, the god of the sea and wind, revered for his power and generosity.
Norderhov was a sacred site where the divine and the human realms met and where the ancient Norse culture and religion flourished. The beautiful landscape stretching for miles around the church must have captivated countless souls before me.
Fun Fact: The Norse revered Njord, especially those who sailed the oceans. They prayed to him for abundant fish, safe voyages, and prosperous trade. Even after Christianity spread in Norway, locals continued to offer him prayers well into the eighteenth century.
4. The Mystery of the Spire: A Secret Message from the Past
On the spire above the west tower, there sits a brass ball. According to legend, this is where the priest Daniel Ramus left a letter for his descendants. The letter, among other things, contained information about when he bought the church from the Danish king, the construction work that was done on the church under him, and information about his family. This ball was opened during a restoration in 1834, and they found the legendary letter there!
Can you imagine what it must have been like to discover such a hidden treasure? What other secrets did Daniel Ramus reveal in his letter? How did he manage to buy the church from the king? What changes did he make to the church? And who were his ancestors and descendants? These are some of the questions that you might want to explore if you visit Norderhov Church and the adjacent 17th-century Norderhov Vicarage.
Fun fact: Guided tours are held throughout the summer, led by friendly and knowledgeable staff who will take you on a journey through time and space.
5. A Medieval Discovery: The Child's Headstone of Norderhov Church
As you step into the church's vestibule (also known as the armory), you will be greeted by a remarkable sight: a small medieval headstone with a carved roof, a symbol most likely created for protection. It must have belonged to a child who died long ago, but no one knows who the child was or how it ended up here. This headstone is the only one of its kind ever found in Norway, raising many questions. Who made it? Where did it come from? What does it mean?
To find some answers, I talked to one of the church's Lecturers, who knows much about the church's history and treasures. He confirmed that this headstone is one-of-a-kind. Based on similar finds in Northern Europe, the headstone was probably created by a German or Englishman who came to Norway as a craftsman or a trader.
The headstone is a fascinating artifact and gives valuable clues to the history of the Norderhov Church. The origin and identity of the 12th-century church builders are still unknown, but some hints point to a foreign influence. For example, two columns in the church entrance have a distinctive style typical of English building techniques. These columns suggest that the church was constructed by skilled craftsmen who came from abroad or learned from them. And with the discovery of the child's headstone, dated to the same time period, this theory becomes even more plausible.
The headstone and the columns are both evidence of a cultural connection between Norway and other parts of Europe in the Middle Ages.
Fun fact: Three doorway-like entrances are carved below the shingle roof on the headstone. Could they symbolize gateways to the realm of the living or dead?
6. A Mysterious Masterpiece: The Pentecost Painting at Norderhov Church
Pentecost is a joyful time for Christians, as they celebrate the third most important event in their faith after Christmas and Easter. It marks the day when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' followers fifty days after he rose from the dead. The word Pentecost comes from a Greek word that means the fiftieth day.
The Wonder of Pentecost is beautifully depicted on a large, painted board and hangs on an ancient stone wall for all to admire. It captures the awe-inspiring moment of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven as a flame on each of their heads and allowed them to speak in different languages. The white dove above the Virgin Mary also represents the Holy Spirit.
However, there are some strange things in this painting that we need to examine further. Why is John The Apostle, sitting on the far left, without a beard? And who is the beardless person sitting behind Mary?
John The Apostle, also known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved," is clearly younger than the other men and is painted with androgynous facial features. Many scholars suggest that Jesus and John The Apostle had a "special" relationship, but many also state that it's simply impossible to determine.
John may have worn a beard during his life, but not in his portraits. Artists almost always portray him as beardless to set him apart. No matter the relationship between Jesus and John, it's clear that John played a significant part in preaching about the importance of love. In fact, he is also known as the Apostle of Love.
Now, over to the other figure sitting behind Mary. Who is he or she? Again, the Lecturer proved invaluable. The person depicted in the painting is Anne Magdalene Ramm, who gave the painting to Norderhov Church. Painting oneself into scenes was widespread between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Fun fact: Every year, on the first day of Pentecost, the Lecturer at Norderhov performs a touching gesture of gratitude. He places 20 red roses under the painting, commemorating Anne Magdalene Ramm. What a nice guy!
7. The Lindorm Doorhandles of Norderhov Church: A Puzzling Legacy of Norse Mythology
Another intriguing feature of the church is its door handles, shaped like lindorms, a dragon-like serpent from Norse mythology.
A Lindorm is a man-eating snake or dragon. "Lind" is an old Danish word that means snake (the snake is lind, i.e., flexible), and "orm" also means snake, as in the Midgard Serpent.
Lindorms are said to symbolize evil and chaos and are often associated with curses, misfortune, and death. They are fearsome creatures well-known in Nordic history.
Lindorms are true enemies of Christianity, and they terrorize the faithful by wrapping their scaly bodies around churches. They are said to devour Christians, leaving behind only bones and blood.
The church doors await you, guarded by two lindorms with horse heads, eagle wings, and snake bodies. They want to test your courage and your heart. The legend says that only the pure of heart can touch them without harm, while the wicked will face their wrath. Do you dare to grab the handles and see what fate awaits you?
Fun fact: The dragons in the mega-hit TV show Game of Thrones are based on the Nordic lindorms.
8. The Norderhov Wind Vane: A Rare and Precious Relic from the 1300s
The Norderhov wind vane is a remarkable piece of history and art. It is a bronze wind vane, an instrument that indicates the direction of the wind. It dates back to the 1300s and features the image of St. Hallvard, the patron saint of Oslo.
St. Hallvard was a nobleman killed by arrows while defending a woman from false accusations. He is shown holding a millstone and arrows, symbolizing his martyrdom.
The vane has been moved several times over the centuries. It was originally on top of the roof of Norderhov Church. Later, it was transferred to Munkestua, a neighboring 18th-century building to the vicarage. Now, it's proudly displayed on the second floor of the old vicarage, where visitors can admire its beauty and craftsmanship.
Fun fact: Wind vanes were once used as a measurement instrument on ships. However, during turbulent times, churches often became their protective custodians. This wind vane must have been forgotten by its owners before being placed on the church roof. Only five wind vanes of this caliber have survived from the medieval era in Norway.
9. The Iron Plaque of Norderhov: A Tribute to the Ramus Family
Across from the child's headstone in the vestibule, an impressive black iron plaque from the 18th century commemorates the Ramus family on the stone wall.
In 1727, the residing vicar, Daniel Ramus, bought the church and surrounding farms from the King of Denmark, who also ruled over Norway. Denmark sold off much land during this time because they needed money after years of war.
Norway and Denmark shared a common kingdom for over four centuries! From 1380 to 1814, Denmark's Kings also ruled over Norway. This period ended when Norway adopted its own constitution and entered a new union with Sweden (an earlier enemy), where it was recognized as an independent state with a shared monarch.
Since the Ramus family now privately owned the church, a burial chamber was erected in the crypt under the church. After Daniel died in 1727, his mother, Anna Colbjørnsdatter, widowed from the previous vicar Jonas Ramus, inherited the church and the farms. In 1866, the crypt was emptied except for two coffins. Those belonged to Anna Colbjørnsdatter and her husband, Jonas Ramus, and still stand there today.
The crypt is officially closed to the public, but you may be able to descend the stone steps and gaze at the coffins if you ask politely.
Fun fact: The coffins used to have glass lids so local schoolchildren and visitors could see the naturally mummified bodies of Anna Colbjørnsdatter and Jonas Ramus.
10. The Mummies of Norderhov: In Memory of Anna Colbjørnsdatter and Jonas Ramus, a National Heroine, and her Husband
It's uncertain whether Anna and Jonas's bodies were intentionally dried or laid to rest in dry surroundings for an extended period, both methods resulting in natural mummification.
A common practice in earlier times was to leave dead bodies in dry places like barns until the frozen earth thawed enough to dig graves. However, I need to learn more about this subject, and it's definitely something I will research further.
I know that Anna Colbjørnsdatter (1667-1736) was a brave and clever woman who played a key role in the Battle of Norderhov during the Great Northern War.
Anna was born in 1667 in Sørum, Akershus. She married Jonas Ramus, a priest, and historian, at the age of fifteen in 1682. They had five children, one being Daniel Ramus, who bought the Norderhov Church at an auction in 1722 from the Danish King. She died a powerful and rich woman in 1736 at the age of 69.
In 1716, Norway was attacked by the Swedish army led by King Charles XII. He wanted to capture Akershus Festning (an old fortress in Oslo) and force Norway to surrender. Under Colonel Axel Löwen, the Swedish King sent an army of 600 soldiers to sneak toward the Gjellebank Fortress and, from there, make their way to Akershus Festning in Oslo.
According to legend, Anna tricked the Swedish soldiers, who had taken shelter in and around the vicarge and Norderhov Church, by serving them alcohol and pretending to be friendly, while secretly sending a message to a nearby camp of 150-200 Norwegian soldiers.
The Norwegians then launched a surprise attack on March 29th at 3 a.m. and captured approximately 130 of the Swedes, including their commander Axel Löwen. Anna Colbjørnsdatter was hailed as a national heroine for her courage and cunning and became one of the few female heroes in Norwegian history.
Even after three centuries, Anna's name is still spoken with admiration and gratitude. Even though she lies in the famous crypt under the Norderhov Church, her spirit lives on. Sometimes I imagine her wandering through the old vicarage, where she once outwitted the enemy with her cunning and charm.
Fun Fact: The Swedish Room at the vicarage bears witness to the fierce battle that took place there, as the walls are riddled with bullet holes from the muskets that fired during that winter squirmish.
The Stories Behind the Headstones: Exploring the Graveyard of Norderhov Church
As you walk around the graveyard of Norderhov Church, you will at once notice how beautiful and well taken care of it is. I always feel like I'm transported hundreds of years back in time.
Each headstone tells a story of a person who lived and died in this region and can be a cultural-historical study in itself. The graveyard is a testament to the care and respect that the locals have for their ancestors. Even the oldest graves from the 18th century are well-maintained and adorned with flowers.
The old trees provide shade and shelter for the resting souls. You will feel a sense of peace and serenity as you stroll through this sacred place. And it really isn't that strange because what is more natural than death except for birth?
But don’t let the calmness fool you. This place has also witnessed some of the darkest moments in Norway’s history. Several memorials honor the victims of World War II when Norderhov was a battleground between the Nazis and the resistance fighters, also called "milorg", short for military organization. That is a story that deserves its own time and attention. But for now, let’s enjoy the beauty and mystery of this old and breathtaking graveyard.
Ringerikes Museum: A Journey Through Centuries of Icon Art
The old vicarage (now Ringerikes Museum) holds a treasure trove of icon art, donated by the renowned painter and graphic artist Hans Ødegaard (1876-1943).
The collection spans centuries and different European cultures, showcasing 18 stunning images of different styles and origins. Some are so ancient that they date back to the medieval 15th century.
These images were once cherished by devout families who prayed to them in their homes. They depict the sacred figures of Christianity: Christ, Mary, the saints, and the holy celebrations.
When you visit Ringerikes Museum and Norderhov Church, you can explore this amazing selection of icon art in the museum's basement and discover the beauty and history behind each image.
Discover the Secrets of Ringerikes Museum and Norderhov Church, Two of Norway’s Most Remarkable Historical Sites
Both of these historical places offer a peek into the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage, from ancient icons to Viking lore, from medieval battles to resistance movements. Whether interested in religion, history, architecture, literature, or photography, you will find something to inspire and educate you at these sites.
You can also enjoy the unique and scenic surroundings of the Ringerike district, with its lakes, forests, and hills. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the past and present of Norway at the Ringerikes Museum and Norderhov Church. And don't worry if you hear steps in empty rooms, it's probably just Anna checking that everything is all right...
You have just read a glimpse of the amazing wonders and fascinating tales about the mysterious Norwegian church relics at Norderhov Church and trust me, this is only the beginning. There is so much more to discover and explore than I have shared here. You will be astonished by the secrets, mysteries, and surprises yet to reveal themselves. So don’t wait any longer. Why not come and see for yourself?
Opening Hours and Contact Information for the Ringerikes Museum and the Norderhov Church in Ringerike, Norway
The Norderhov Chruch:
Email: post@ringerike.kirken.no
Telephone number: +47 48 13 41 57
Website: https://www.ringerike.kirken.no
Address: Norderhovsbakken, 3512 Hønefoss
Open for the public: Saturdays and Sundays
Ringerikes Museum:
Telephone number: +47 32 13 50 50
Address: Norderhovsbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss
Open for the public: Check the website for opening hours.
