St Olav's Church

Bergen & the Southwestern Fjords


This ancient stone church was built under the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson. Work began in 1250, although it's thought that a much earlier wooden chapel here stood here for many years before. Dedicated to St Olav, it's a fascinating relic of Viking architecture – and an important navigation aid for sailors. Guided tours visit the interior in summer.

The church used to be surrounded by several stone obelisks, although now only one – an impressive 7.2m slab known as the Virgin Mary's Needle – still stands. It's leaning perilously towards the church wall, and legend suggests that when it actually touches the wall the Day of Judgement is at hand.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bergen & the Southwestern Fjords attractions

1. Nordvegen Historiesenter

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Down a short path from the car park for St Olav's Church, this history centre recreates the story of Harald Fairhair and other monarchs of the newly…

2. Avaldsnes Viking Farm

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This living history centre brings Viking culture to life, with a number of reconstructed Viking buildings, and regular displays of handicrafts, metalwork,…

3. Visnes Grubeområde

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4. Marilyn Monroe Memorial

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5. Vår Frelsers Church

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With its arrow straight spire and redbrick exterior, this church in the centre of Haugesund is a local landmark.

6. Haraldshaugen

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The burial site of Viking King Harald Fairhair, the first king of a unified Norway, is 1.5km north of Haugesund. The obelisk memorial, erected in 1872,…

7. Karmoy Fishery Museum

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8. Skudeneshavn

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