Norway Invests Millions to Preserve Its Medieval Stave Churches - Medievalists.net

"The stave churches are among the oldest buildings we have in Norway, and it is fantastic that they are still in use. It is important that we preserve these for the future, and that people can learn about the history they represent through continued use."

"Most of the stave churches lack recent and accurate survey drawings as documentation. This is a deficiency that we can now remedy with high-quality 3D scanning. The scanning is therefore important as part of the preparedness, and to preserve the knowledge that the stave churches represent in European cultural history."

Norway's Ministry of Climate and Environment awarded five million kroner for stave church preservation in 2026, with three million from new grants and two million from prior commitments. Norway maintains 28 surviving stave churches, unique medieval wooden structures representing a distinctive architectural tradition rarely found outside Norway. Borgund Stave Church, built in the late twelfth century and considered one of Norway's best-preserved medieval churches, will receive significant funding for a comprehensive 3D scanning project. This digital documentation initiative addresses a critical gap, as most stave churches lack recent accurate survey drawings. The preservation efforts aim to maintain these historic structures for continued use and to preserve knowledge of their significance in European cultural heritage.

Read at Medievalists.net