Mountains and lakes…read more The small village of Oppstryn has had a church for a long, long time. At least as far back as the 13th century and very possibly several centuries before that. Like most buildings in the small villages, the churches were constructed of wood and tend to burn down from time to time and have to be replaced, The present church in Oppstryn was built in 1863 and was designed by Hans Linstow. It holds about three hundred people and like virtually all churches in the area is Evangelical Lutheran. The church is still very active and a vital part of the small community. The church is in a lovely location, right on the shores of Lake Oppstrynsvatnet with towering mountains all around. Difficult to imagine a more picturesque and beautiful location. Whether or not you are religious, standing next to the old church with the surrounding mountains, lake and gorgeous scenery all around, will prove to be sublime and inspiring.

Octagons and fjords…read more Geiranger Kyrkje is an old church that sits at the end of the spectacular Geirangerfjorden in the small Norwegian town of Geiranger. It's looks a bit strange because it has a funky octagonal shape that somehow seems to fit. The present church was constructed in 1842 but there have been other churches on this site since at least 1450 and probably longer. The church is surrounded by a cool and ancient graveyard and has incredible views in every direction. Towering mountains and of course Geirangerfjorden makes this a very special place. Inside the church itself is rather simple but it's decorated with all kinds of cool, poignant and elaborate religious symbols and art. Northern Norway seems to be full of amazing churches and buildings, and even if you aren't particularly religious places like this somehow make you leave with a lot more spirituality than when you arrived.