Fantoft Stave Church
Fantoft Stave Church is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Bergen audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Bergen Bergen guide
About Fantoft Stave Church
A faithful 1997 reconstruction of a medieval stave church, rebuilt after the centuries-old original here was destroyed by arson in 1992; only a wish stone and cross survived.
Fantoft Stave Church stands at Fantoft in the Fana district, south of Bergen city centre. The original church was built around 1150 at Fortun in Sogn, and in 1883 the consul Fredrik Georg Gade bought it and had it moved, piece by piece, to Fantoft to save it from demolition. On 6 June 1992 the church was destroyed by arson, in the first of a wave of church fires associated with Norway's early black-metal scene. A musician linked to the scene was charged but acquitted of the Fantoft arson.
The church was rebuilt as a close reconstruction, completed in 1997. Because so little survived the fire, most of the building had to be remade on site from surveys and drawings; only a small 'wish stone' set in a wall and the altar cross remain from the original. It is built in the Sogn-type triple-nave stave style, with carved dragon-head roof finials. The reconstruction is privately owned and has been enclosed by a security fence since it was completed.
Did you know? The original stave church was built around 1150 at Fortun in Sogn and only moved to Fantoft in 1883, to save it from demolition. It stood here for roughly a century before the 1992 fire.
How long should you spend at Fantoft Stave Church?
Plan about ~45 min at Fantoft Stave Church. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Fantoft Stave Church worth visiting?
Fantoft Stave Church is one of the 21 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Bergen, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Bergen
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Fantoft Stave Church and read more:
Day 1 of the Bergen in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Fantoft Stave Church
Preview the Bergen tour free in the Gingerguide app.