The Norwegian government is committing tens of millions of kroner to safeguard the country’s medieval heritage, with new funding aimed at preserving both historic ruins and some of Europe’s oldest surviving timber buildings.
A total of NOK 48.8 million ($5 million US) has been allocated through the latest round of grants overseen by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage, supporting conservation work across the country. Of this, NOK 10.7 million is specifically set aside for medieval ruins, while an additional NOK 7 million will support privately owned medieval buildings.
Halsnøy Monastery was built in the 12th century and is located in the municipality of Kvinnherad. Photo: Arve Kjersheim, Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage
“The ruins from the Middle Ages are part of our common history. With these grants, we are strengthening the work that makes it possible to preserve them,” says Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment. “Not only as historical traces, but also as living sources of knowledge for both researchers, craftsmen and local communities.”
Protecting Medieval Ruins
Steinvikholm Castle is located in Skatval in the municipality of Stjørdal, and was among the recipients of grants last year. Photo: Inger-Marie Aicher Olsrud, Norwegian Agency for Cultural Heritage
Across Norway, nine county municipalities and four historic towns submitted applications totalling NOK 21.2 million for conservation work on medieval ruins. The grants will support a range of projects, from structural stabilization to improving visitor access and documentation.
Among the largest allocations are ongoing projects in Oslo, where NOK 1.2 million has been awarded for work at key sites including Olav’s Monastery, Hallvard Cathedral, and the Bishop’s Castle. Conservation efforts are also planned for Clemens Church. Notably, the north wing of the Bishop’s Castle remains a rare example of a ruin largely untouched since its excavation.
Selje Monastery was founded in the 11th century and is located on the island of Selja in Stad municipality. Photo: Trond Isaksen, Norwegian Agency for Cultural Heritage
Other funding highlights include:
Tønsberg receiving NOK 400,000 for conservation and maintenance
Projects in counties such as Vestland, Telemark, and Innlandet focusing on monastery ruins, church remains, and visitor facilities
Continued conservation work at Hovedøya Monastery, first initiated in 2023 and expected to conclude in 2026
“The word ‘ruins’ is often associated with decay. These grants will ensure that our precious ruins are not destroyed,” says Hanna Geiran, Director General of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. “Securing the ruins against decay is ensuring that future generations can understand more of who we are and where we come from.”
She adds: “Working with medieval ruins is as much about the future as it is about the past. When we invest in preserving medieval buildings, we are also investing in knowledge and craftsmanship.”
Supporting Medieval Houses
The Stålekleivloftet/Vindlausloftet in Tokke in Telemark is one of Norway’s oldest buildings, and received a grant in 2025, among other things for important craft development. Anne Lise Surtevju.
Alongside ruin conservation, the Norwegian government is also funding the preservation of privately owned medieval buildings. For 2026, applications from counties including Telemark, Agder, Innlandet, Rogaland, and Vestland totalled NOK 11.3 million, with NOK 6.25 million awarded in new grants.
These funds will help maintain and restore some of Norway’s oldest surviving houses—many of them still in everyday use.
“Norway has a great responsibility to take care of our medieval houses. Only Japan has more timber buildings from this period than us,” says Eriksen. “With more rain and a warmer climate, we face completely new challenges.”
An example of a medieval building in the Inland is the medieval loft at Sygard Grytting in Sør-Fron. The loft has a bathroom and is used for hotel accommodation. Trude Isaksen, National Agency for Cultural Heritage.
In total, Norway is home to just over 250 log houses dating from before 1537, excluding its famous stave churches. Unlike much of Europe, where medieval wooden buildings rarely survive, Norway’s climate and building traditions have allowed these structures to endure for centuries.
Many of these buildings remain in private hands, making state support essential.
“We support the owners, because use is the best protection,” says Geiran. “Many people may think that medieval buildings are only found in museums, but many are actually owned by private individuals.”
Preserving Skills and Knowledge
The Helleloptet from the Helle farm down in Setesdal has a wandering history. The loptet returned to its original location in 2022. Alexander Myrseth, National Agency for Cultural Heritage.
Beyond conservation, the grants are also intended to strengthen traditional craftsmanship. Several projects combine restoration work with training opportunities, helping to pass on knowledge of medieval building techniques.
“The best learning happens in practice, and we want to reward projects that combine concrete results for the owner and increased knowledge for the craftspeople,” Geiran explains. “There is still a lot we do not know about medieval building practices.”
With climate change posing new risks and maintenance costs rising, Norwegian authorities see these investments as crucial not only for preserving the past, but also for ensuring that the skills needed to maintain it continue into the future.
Top Image: Selje Monastery – Photo: Trond Isaksen, Norwegian Agency for Cultural Heritage
The Norwegian government is committing tens of millions of kroner to safeguard the country’s medieval heritage, with new funding aimed at preserving both historic ruins and some of Europe’s oldest surviving timber buildings.
A total of NOK 48.8 million ($5 million US) has been allocated through the latest round of grants overseen by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage, supporting conservation work across the country. Of this, NOK 10.7 million is specifically set aside for medieval ruins, while an additional NOK 7 million will support privately owned medieval buildings.
“The ruins from the Middle Ages are part of our common history. With these grants, we are strengthening the work that makes it possible to preserve them,” says Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment. “Not only as historical traces, but also as living sources of knowledge for both researchers, craftsmen and local communities.”
Protecting Medieval Ruins
Across Norway, nine county municipalities and four historic towns submitted applications totalling NOK 21.2 million for conservation work on medieval ruins. The grants will support a range of projects, from structural stabilization to improving visitor access and documentation.
Among the largest allocations are ongoing projects in Oslo, where NOK 1.2 million has been awarded for work at key sites including Olav’s Monastery, Hallvard Cathedral, and the Bishop’s Castle. Conservation efforts are also planned for Clemens Church. Notably, the north wing of the Bishop’s Castle remains a rare example of a ruin largely untouched since its excavation.
Other funding highlights include:
“The word ‘ruins’ is often associated with decay. These grants will ensure that our precious ruins are not destroyed,” says Hanna Geiran, Director General of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. “Securing the ruins against decay is ensuring that future generations can understand more of who we are and where we come from.”
She adds: “Working with medieval ruins is as much about the future as it is about the past. When we invest in preserving medieval buildings, we are also investing in knowledge and craftsmanship.”
Supporting Medieval Houses
Alongside ruin conservation, the Norwegian government is also funding the preservation of privately owned medieval buildings. For 2026, applications from counties including Telemark, Agder, Innlandet, Rogaland, and Vestland totalled NOK 11.3 million, with NOK 6.25 million awarded in new grants.
These funds will help maintain and restore some of Norway’s oldest surviving houses—many of them still in everyday use.
“Norway has a great responsibility to take care of our medieval houses. Only Japan has more timber buildings from this period than us,” says Eriksen. “With more rain and a warmer climate, we face completely new challenges.”
In total, Norway is home to just over 250 log houses dating from before 1537, excluding its famous stave churches. Unlike much of Europe, where medieval wooden buildings rarely survive, Norway’s climate and building traditions have allowed these structures to endure for centuries.
Many of these buildings remain in private hands, making state support essential.
“We support the owners, because use is the best protection,” says Geiran. “Many people may think that medieval buildings are only found in museums, but many are actually owned by private individuals.”
Preserving Skills and Knowledge
Beyond conservation, the grants are also intended to strengthen traditional craftsmanship. Several projects combine restoration work with training opportunities, helping to pass on knowledge of medieval building techniques.
“The best learning happens in practice, and we want to reward projects that combine concrete results for the owner and increased knowledge for the craftspeople,” Geiran explains. “There is still a lot we do not know about medieval building practices.”
With climate change posing new risks and maintenance costs rising, Norwegian authorities see these investments as crucial not only for preserving the past, but also for ensuring that the skills needed to maintain it continue into the future.
Top Image: Selje Monastery – Photo: Trond Isaksen, Norwegian Agency for Cultural Heritage
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