Places with a story

Rennebu kirke

Rennebu kirke stands at Voll in the Orkla valley. Its three timber wings meet in an unusual Y shape: a compact rural church whose plan, medieval crucifix and pilgrimage setting connect several periods of local religious life.

Get to know the municipalityRennebu

The place¹ ²

The church was completed in 1669 by the builder Ole Jonsen Hindrum. Each arm of the Y faces the shared chancel, so worshippers can see the altar from different parts of the building. The National Pilgrim Centre explains the plan through both the Trinity and the historical separation of men and women during services.

History and local connections²

An older church preceded the present building. The crucifix above the chancel dates from the thirteenth century, preserving a visible link to medieval worship. Nineteenth-century changes introduced exterior boarding and alterations inside; restoration in 1948–1952 recovered much of the earlier character, including historic benches and the pulpit.

What to look for²

Look at the meeting point of the three roofs before going inside. The exterior is red, while the interior exposes timber construction and old furnishings. An altarpiece from 1672 depicts the Last Supper and the Resurrection. The arrangement of the arms makes the shared centre particularly important to understanding the room.

Planning a visit¹ ³

The church is a stopping place on Gudbrandsdalsleden. Nearby Gammelbua provides local pilgrimage information, and the milestone records the remaining distance to Nidaros. Ask the parish or pilgrimage hosts about current opportunities to enter the church; a route stop does not guarantee that the interior is open. Respect services and the surrounding churchyard.