During my road trip through Norway, I spent a few hours exploring the Lom Stave Church, one of the country’s most iconic wooden structures. Because it sits directly on the route to the Geiranger Fjord, it’s a popular waypoint for travelers, making the grounds quite lively.
Inside, the atmosphere is a sharp contrast to its exterior. The interior is atmospheric but very dimly lit, which, combined with the steady stream of visitors, made photography a challenge. However, with a bit of patience, I managed to capture a few shots of the empty sanctuary. Despite its grand reputation, the church feels surprisingly intimate.
After visiting Lom church the other famous spot is Lom Bakery Absolutely amazing cinnamon rolls and other baked goodies Do not miss that if you are travelling out there.
The History of Lom Stave Church
The church’s history is as sturdy as its timber, dating back to roughly 1158. It was built during the transition from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages, a heritage visible in the striking carved dragon heads that still guard the rooflines—a traditional Norse symbol used to protect the building from evil spirits. While the interior feels small and intimate today, Lom is actually one of the few stave churches that was significantly expanded in the 17th century. To accommodate a growing congregation, builders added side wings to create a cruciform (cross-shaped) layout, making it one of the largest remaining stave churches in Norway. Beneath its floors, archaeologists have even discovered a "treasure trove" of over 2,000 medieval coins, left behind by centuries of pilgrims and locals who once walked these same dim aisles.
WOW...I have been so impressed with these for years.
On my bucket list as well.
Have looked at these hundreds of times on the internet and google earth, actually just looked at these with someone at work a week ago.
Beautiful pictures and so glad you went there.
Danpbphoto wrote:
Very, VERY Nordic Parul! The church really looks wonderful with the green grass. Snow also would provide an excellent image.
Your exposures are always perfect!
Next time eh?
Very well done brother!
Dan
Brother Dan, thank you Definitely agree about snow covered ground don't know if CA 85 degree guy could handle cold anymore
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bencaju wrote:
I have never seend a wooden church until now. Very interesting. Great photos too! The inside of the church has a lot of detail too.
These stave churches are all wood and Vikings were genius in the construction design. The churches are often very small and dark inside. I wanted to take some images of interior details and art work but didn't want to hold up the line.
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photonoclast wrote:
Doesn't look a day older then when I saw it in 1989!
Glad you got to see this Hope you got to stop at Lom Bakery.
it is amazing what can be done with very basic handtools and a tradition of wood craftmanship. that church is many times older than our country and it still looks magnificent. i am sure it was a thrilling experience to see and photograph it....
Bill Gass wrote:
WOW...I have been so impressed with these for years.
On my bucket list as well.
Have looked at these hundreds of times on the internet and google earth, actually just looked at these with someone at work a week ago.
Beautiful pictures and so glad you went there.
Thanks Bill, so glad you enjoyed viewing this set. These churches are indeed very impressive. The craftsmanship and how the exterior has survived thru brutal winter for so long, is just mind-blowing. I sure hope you get to see them in person.
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CA_Fstop wrote:
What a neat design and talk about craftsmanship, lovely set of images.
Totally agree with you, thanks back at ya
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volhoosier wrote:
it is amazing what can be done with very basic handtools and a tradition of wood craftmanship. that church is many times older than our country and it still looks magnificent. i am sure it was a thrilling experience to see and photograph it....
I had read and heard so much about stave churches and was definitely looking forward to my visit. You are so right about eh craftmanship with some basic handtools. Just incredible, I really enjoyed my visit and photographing this church.
Absolutely amazing cinnamon rolls and other baked goodies 
