Mikaelshulen, Cave church in Skien, Norway
Mikaelshulen is a church carved into rock near Løveid that extends approximately 16 meters into the stone with a natural entrance measuring about 5 meters in height and width. Inside are several areas including a vestibule, nave, choir, and altar section, all shaped directly from the rock face.
The church likely developed in the medieval period, though it was first documented in 1643 in a Latin description as Templum Mirabile, confirming its status as a consecrated place. Following the Protestant Reformation around 1537, it lost its main religious purpose but survived as a cultural landmark.
For centuries, this cave served as a gathering place where people came to pray and celebrate religious occasions in the rock. The space reflects traditional church elements carved into stone, showing how the community used this sacred setting for worship.
You can reach the cave by boat from a dock at Norsjø or by following a marked path from the parking area on Omdalsvegen near Skotfoss. Access is straightforward, but you should be prepared for uneven ground and possible moisture in the rock area.
A monk named Sylvester, the last of the region, was reportedly buried near the former sacristy after the Reformation. This connection between human history and the quiet place shows how deeply rooted it was in people's lives.
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