Ankenes Church, Heritage church building in Ankenesstranda, Norway
Ankenes Church is a white wooden structure with an octagonal design that rises from the landscape in Narvik Municipality. The building accommodates around 380 worshippers and reflects traditional Norwegian church architecture adapted to the northern environment.
Construction finished in 1842 under architect Ingebrigt Julin, replacing an earlier structure from 1730 that had long served the parish. During World War II, the building sustained damage, but repairs completed in 1947 restored it for continued use.
The church takes its name from the nearby Ankenes settlement and has long been central to parish religious life. It serves as a gathering place for worship and community events that bring local residents together.
The building is accessible and located in a quiet part of Narvik Municipality, reachable from the Ankenesstranda area. Visitors should prepare for cold weather and dress warmly, as the site sits in a northern climate exposed to harsh conditions.
The octagonal shape of the building is a distinctive feature not found in all regional churches and was deliberately chosen by Julin. This unusual geometry often surprises visitors and sets this structure apart from typical northern sacred buildings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
