NO25.26 Borgund – Stave Church and Mountain Pass

Borgund delivers two highlights in one go, and both are impressive in their own right.

The stave church at Borgund is one of the best-preserved in all of Norway. It has stood here since the twelfth century, built entirely from wood, with its characteristic dragon heads on the roof and an aura that makes you feel as though you’ve slipped into another era. The dark patina of the old wood, the interlocking layers of roof, the intricate carvings – everything speaks of a craft that has almost been forgotten today.

Then there’s the old historic mountain pass road, which winds its way through the landscape. Once one of the most important routes in the region, today it’s a reminder of a time when travelling was a real adventure in itself. The road is narrow and bumpy, and that’s precisely what gives it its appeal. You can easily picture merchants and pilgrims making their way along here centuries ago with horses and carts.

The combination of medieval architecture and the raw, untouched landscape of the pass makes Borgund a truly special stop. History you don’t just see, but feel.