Hindrem Stave Church by the Trondheim Fjord
A modern stave church in Trøndelag, built after a medieval model near Hindrum Fjordsenter, about one hour from Trondheim
A new chapter in an old church history
Hindrem Stave Church stands in the village of Hindrem in Indre Fosen municipality, Trøndelag, by the Trondheim Fjord and within walking distance of Hindrum Fjordsenter. The church was consecrated on 9 September 2012 and stands by the churchyard of the former parish church, which was demolished in 1898.
Today's stave church is built after the model of the 12th-century Haltdalen Stave Church and seats around 30–40 people. At the same time, it carries an older local trace: the spire bearing the year 1653, linking the new church to the earlier churches that once stood at Hindrem.
Three churches, one church site
Hindrem has been a church site since far back in time. The first church here was a stave church that, according to historical sources, was old and in poor condition by the mid-1600s. Master builder Ole Jonsen Hindrum was engaged to repair it, and in 1653 he raised a new tower with a spire.
The new tower was judged too heavy for the old stave church, so a new church was built instead. The next church stood ready around 1665, built of timber logs. The tower and spire from 1653 were moved to the new church, which stood at Hindrem until the late 1800s.
When Stranda Church in Vanvikan became the new church site in 1897, the church at Hindrem was sold and demolished the following year. The new stave church from 2012 therefore carries forward more than a building type. It also carries forward the memory of a local church site that has mattered to the village across generations.
Built with community spirit and local roots
The work to rebuild a stave church at Hindrem was driven forward by Hindrem Stavkirkelag, in cooperation with Leksvik Church Council. The project was funded through support from the municipality, the county, private businesses and individuals, and much of the work was carried out as voluntary community effort by local residents.
The result is a small, clear and approachable stave church in Trøndelag, raised with respect for Norwegian medieval architecture and local church history. Today Hindrem Stave Church is used for services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, concerts and suitable events. Visits and use of the church are arranged in advance.
Would you like to contact Hindrem Stave Church directly? Send an email to Hindrem Stave Church , or follow Hindrem Stave Church on Facebook for local information and updates. Visits and use of the church are arranged in advance.