Temples & religious sites
Gol Stave Church
What It Is
Gol Stave Church is a preserved 12th-century wooden building located on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo. Originally constructed in the village of Gol in Hallingdal, it was relocated and restored within the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Visitors come to inspect traditional medieval Scandinavian timber construction, multi-tiered shingled roofs, and intricate wood carvings up close.
Getting There
From central Oslo, travel to Bygdøy using the local bus line or the seasonal ferry departing from the City Hall pier. The transit time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Time to Allow
Allow 30 to 45 minutes to view the building's exterior woodwork and interior design. If you plan to tour the rest of the open-air museum grounds, budget extra time accordingly.
When to Visit
Arrive in the morning to view the site before large tour groups arrive. Summer is the busiest season, while spring and autumn see fewer visitors. Since access requires walking on outdoor paths, wear footwear suitable for varied weather conditions.
Nearby Attractions
The location on Bygdøy makes it easy to visit other nearby cultural sites on foot:
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (0.2km)
- Viking Ship Museum (0.4km)
- Oscarshall (0.5km)
- Kon-Tiki Museum (1km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors