Sola Ruin Church - Image 1
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Sola Ruin Church

4.5
·198 reviews·, Norway

A 12th-century church ruin, beautifully restored and repurposed, offering a unique blend of history, art, and resilience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Sola Ruin Church - Image 1

Sola Ruin Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 12th-century church ruin, beautifully restored and repurposed, offering a unique blend of history, art, and resilience.

4.5
(198 reviews)

"Wonderfully repurposed historic building. Well maintained. Has a car park. No charge to visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

Peek Inside Through Glass

Can't get inside? Look through the glass walls for a view of the church's interior. :camerawithflash:

Check for Services

Interior access may be limited during services or events. Plan accordingly. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ruined Stone Walls

The Ruined Stone Walls

Main church area

Majestic 12th-century stone walls, a testament to resilience and history, offering a glimpse into the past.

Glass-Paneled Interior Views

Glass-Paneled Interior Views

Exterior of the church

See inside even when closed! Glass walls provide a unique perspective on the church's interior.

St. Olav's Stone

St. Olav's Stone

Just outside the church walls

Discover the historical significance of St. Olav's Stone, a relic located near the church.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Sola Ruin Church is a popular spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Check for local events or services as access to the interior can be limited during these times.

Access and Amenities

While the church ruins are generally accessible, the interior may not always be open to the public. Look for the glass-paneled walls that offer glimpses inside. Ample parking is available nearby, making it convenient for day-trippers and those with vehicles.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Never go back to Utah #norway #norge #norgetiktok #fyp #mastersdegree #stavangernorway #stavanger #world #Home #studyabroad #lykkeli #sandnes #sola
@gabibentson13
27K likes • 526.1K views

Peek Inside Through Glass

Can't get inside? Look through the glass walls for a view of the church's interior. :camerawithflash:

Check for Services

Interior access may be limited during services or events. Plan accordingly. :calendar:

nothing beats a sunset at Sola🥰 (anytime of year!!) 🥹😭#stavanger #norway #visitnorway #eurosummer #norwaytiktok #livinginnorway #norway #norge #sola #fyp #lifeinnorway #midnightsun
@frida_eiane
19.2K likes • 203.5K views
Sola ruinkyrkje (church ruin) is a rebuilt medieval church The church is built on the remains of a Romanesque stone church from the early 12th century. Large parts of the church were demolished during World War II. It is quite possible that this was a former stave church in wood, which was built by Erling Skjalgsson in connection with his farm at «Church-Sola». The location of the church in the m...
friluftsmagi
30 likes • 752 views

Ample Parking Available

Convenient parking lot right in front makes visiting easy. :car:

Historical Significance

Learn about its 12th-century origins, wartime destruction, and restoration. :scroll:

Sola ruinkyrkje (church ruin) also referred to as Sola old church is built on the remains of a Romanesque stone church from the early 12th century. In 1871, the church was purchased by the painter Johan Bennetter (1822 - 1904) who turned it into a residence. Large parts of the church were demolished during World War II. The Church was then rebuilt and restored in 1995. It is believed that this was...
kito_nardo_og_indy
20 likes • 241 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Peek Inside Through Glass

Can't get inside? Look through the glass walls for a view of the church's interior. :camerawithflash:

Check for Services

Interior access may be limited during services or events. Plan accordingly. :calendar:

Ample Parking Available

Convenient parking lot right in front makes visiting easy. :car:

Historical Significance

Learn about its 12th-century origins, wartime destruction, and restoration. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(198 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sola Ruin Church as a wonderfully repurposed historic building, well-maintained and offering a glimpse into the past. The unique glass walls providing interior views and the convenient parking are frequently highlighted. While interior access can be inconsistent, the overall experience is described as naturally beautiful and interesting.

"Wonderfully repurposed historic building. Well maintained. Used for services etc. Has a car park.No charge to visit.But it's hit an miss to see inside. Fantastic stone walls an views."

Finbar Kierans

"Cute old church with helpful signs outside. One of the walls has been replaced with glass so you can see some of the inside even if they are closed."

M KC

"The ruins of this beautiful old church have been well restored and even though it's not possible for the average visitor to go inside, the window walls help give a good idea about interior. St. Olav's stone is just outside the walls. A really lovely site very close to the airport with a large parking area right in front (10-20 cars)."

Natalya Marquand

What People Like

Repurposed historic building
Well-maintained ruins
Glass interior views

What People Dislike

Inconsistent interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sola Ruin Church is conveniently located near the airport and has a large parking area right in front, making it easily accessible by car. Public transport options might be available, but driving is generally the most straightforward way to reach this historic site. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking area available directly in front of the church ruins, which can accommodate around 10-20 cars. This makes it very convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no charge to visit Sola Ruin Church. It's a free historical site to explore and appreciate. Reddit

Access to the interior of Sola Ruin Church can be hit or miss. While it's not always possible for average visitors to go inside, the replaced walls with glass allow you to see some of the interior even when it's closed. Reddit

The exterior of Sola Ruin Church is generally accessible at any time. However, the interior's opening hours can vary, and it may be closed for services or private events. It's best to check for any local announcements if you specifically wish to enter. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the well-restored stone walls of this 12th-century church ruin. The site also features helpful signs outside, and glass walls that offer views into the interior. St. Olav's Stone is located just outside the church walls. Reddit

Absolutely! The historic stone walls, the unique glass-paneled interior views, and the surrounding natural beauty make Sola Ruin Church a picturesque spot for photography. The late afternoon light can be particularly stunning. Instagram

Originally a Romanesque stone church from the early 12th century, it was later converted into a residence by a painter. Large parts were demolished during WWII and it has since been restored, standing as a testament to resilience and beauty. Instagram+1

Information regarding specific restroom facilities at Sola Ruin Church is not widely available. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit or in nearby areas if needed.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Sola Ruin Church itself doesn't have dining facilities, being close to the airport and potentially other amenities in the Sola area, you can likely find cafes or restaurants nearby for refreshments. It's recommended to check local listings for options. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sola Ruin Church can be an engaging stop for families. The ruined walls and the concept of a church that was once a home can spark children's imaginations. The glass-paneled views into the interior offer a unique visual element that might capture their attention. Reddit It's a good opportunity to introduce children to local history in a visually interesting, open-air setting. Remember to supervise children closely around the historic structures.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Sola Ruin Church is a dream. The ancient stone architecture against the sky, the contrast between the old ruins and the modern glass additions, and the surrounding natural beauty offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for dramatic lighting that enhances the textures and atmosphere of the ruins. The site's historical narrative also provides a compelling story to capture through your lens.

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Travelers

Sola Ruin Church is an ideal stop for day-trippers due to its easy accessibility and ample parking. Reddit It offers a quick yet meaningful historical detour without requiring a significant time commitment. You can easily combine a visit here with other nearby attractions or as a stop on a longer road trip. The site provides a peaceful break and a chance to appreciate local heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Sola Ruin Church, originally a Romanesque stone church dating back to the early 12th century, holds a rich and layered history. It's believed to have been built on the remains of an even earlier structure, possibly a stave church connected to prominent figures of the time. TikTok The church played a significant role in the region's religious life for centuries.

Tragically, large parts of the church were demolished during World War II, leaving it in ruins. However, the spirit of preservation led to its restoration. In 1871, it was even purchased by painter Johan Bennetter, who transformed it into his residence and studio, adding an artistic chapter to its story. Instagram The church was later rebuilt, standing today as a symbol of resilience and a beautifully repurposed historic building. Instagram

Visitors can appreciate the majestic stone walls that remain, offering a tangible connection to its past. The thoughtful addition of glass-paneled sections allows for a unique viewing experience of the interior, even when the church is not open for services. The nearby St. Olav's Stone further enhances the historical context of the site. Reddit

Experiencing the Ruin Today

Visiting Sola Ruin Church offers a serene and historically engaging experience. The well-maintained ruins are a popular spot, and while direct interior access can be inconsistent, the glass walls provide an excellent way to appreciate the church's layout and atmosphere. Reddit This thoughtful design ensures that visitors can still connect with the essence of the building regardless of its open status.

The site is described as naturally beautiful and interesting, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in history, architecture, or simply a peaceful moment. Reddit The presence of helpful signs outside further enriches the visitor's understanding of the church's past. The convenient on-site parking makes it an easily accessible destination for day-trippers and travelers alike. Reddit

For photographers, the timeless charm of Sola Ruin Church presents numerous opportunities. The interplay of ancient stone, modern glass, and the surrounding landscape creates compelling visual narratives. Instagram Whether you're seeking historical insights or picturesque views, Sola Ruin Church offers a unique blend of past and present.

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