Stange Church

Stange Church is a stone building in Stange Municipality with a rectangular main section measuring approximately 21 by 15 meters and a smaller choir area of roughly 11 by 9 meters. The building holds about 400 people and serves as part of the Hamar Diocese.

The church is first mentioned in 1225 in Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar, while archaeological evidence suggests a wooden structure from the 11th century once stood here. The stone building came later, with the distinctive tower added in 1772.

The church inspired artist Harriet Backer to create several paintings between 1899 and 1903, including works titled 'Christening' and 'The Holy Communion'. These pieces show how the place captured the artistic imagination of that era.

The church sits about 2 kilometers west of Stangebyen village and is accessible by foot or car. Visitors should remember this is an active place of worship, so services and private events may affect visiting times.

The tower built in 1772 ranks among Norway's tallest freestanding wooden structures from that era. Its remarkable construction shows the craftsmanship of that time.