Gamle Aker Church History

* Emma and Axel’s Top Historical Highlights on Gamle Aker Church*
Oslo’s Oldest Building – Built in the mid-1100s, it’s Oslo’s oldest surviving structure, standing for nearly 900 years.
Silver Mine Legend – Medieval texts claim it sits atop an ancient silver mine, sparking myths of hidden treasures.
Fossilised Stone – Made from local limestone, its walls contain squid and orthoceras fossils, adding a prehistoric touch.
Survived Wars & Looting – Fires, looting, and damage led to major restorations in 1861 and the 1950s.
Famous Burials – The cemetery dates to the Napoleonic Wars and is the final resting place of Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen.
Military Use – In the 1500s, it was used as a gunpowder store under Danish rule.
Pilgrim’s Route – A key stop on the pilgrimage to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
The Views – Perched on Akersbakken hill, its churchyard offers panoramic views of Oslo.
Munch’s Inspiration – A recurring subject in Edvard Munch’s paintings.