Dating back to the Middle Ages (920-1080), Hvaler Church, on Kirkeøy, is one of Norway’s oldest. The church, which is quite large for a medieval church, stands over what might have been a prehistoric pagan site of worship. Archeologists found 804 coins under the choir floor. While many originate from Norway, some are from Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. About three quarters of the coins date from before 1536, with the oldest one dating from 1130. These coins prove that Hvaler’s inhabitants were in contact with the European Continent centuries ago.

Model ship Oscar

Many worshipers came to the church by boat from the archipelago’s outer islands. Hanging in the nave is the three-masted sailing vessel Oscar dating from the 1880s. Model ships are common in Norwegian churches, often given by sailors in gratitude for rescue at sea.

Music in the church

The two-manual, 11-rank pipe organ was installed in late 1955. Because of limited space, not all 945 sounding pipes could fit in the organ casework, but this problem was solved by installing the upper manual pipes and the swell shades in the attic. The grand piano is a gift from Berit S Martinsen, the church’s organist for 29 years, from 1969-1998, while the harpsichord is on indefinite loan to the church.

Altar and baptismal font

The Rococo style altar is from around 1750. Featured on the altar piece, itself from 1759, is Eggert Munch’s oil painting of the crucifixion (he was a distant relation of the famous Edvard Munch, in case you were wondering about the name). The limestone baptismal font dates from between 1250 and 1300. It is likely to have come from Gotland, Sweden. The font is deep because babies were previously baptized by full immersion.

Bell

Dating from about 1200, the Romanesque-style bell, which is 54cm high, 61cm in diameter, and weighs about 120kg, originates from Holland. Because of cracks, it is seldom rung – an electrically operated bell is used instead on most occasions.

An Englishman in Hvaler

Kjølbo farm was once the home of the Englishman John William LeGassicke Goodchild. There he ran a general store, an inn, and for a few years, a bar. Worshipers could freshen up and change clothes there before attending mass in the church. Goodchild also served as Hvaler’s fourth mayor from 1845 to 1847. You can see his grave right outside the church’s main entrance.

Want to find out more?

You will find an exhibition of objects, photographs and text depicting Hvaler and Spjærøy churches history, with a special focus on Hvaler Church’s restoration in 1953-1956, in the building across the road from the church (Drengestua).

Hvaler Church, Storveien 12, Skjærhallen. Tel: 69 37 90 37, www.hvaler.kirken.no