In the heart of Norway, the Borgund Stave Church exemplifies the pinnacle of medieval craftsmanship and architectural prowess. Built around the year 1200, this former parish church has drawn the fascination of both visitors and researchers with its intricate design and historical significance.

Recently, innovative research has shed new light on the construction techniques used to create this remarkable structure, challenging long-held ᴀssumptions about its building process.

Contrary to popular claims circulating on social media that the church was built without a single nail, recent studies have revealed that over 11,000 nails were actually used in its construction. However, these nails were not made of metal, but wood.

More than 10,000 wooden nails were employed to fasten the wooden shingles that protect the church from the elements, while over 1,200 wooden nails were used to hold the main structure together. This revelation highlights the ingenuity of medieval builders who relied on locally available materials to create durable and long-lasting structures.

For many years, the exact method of construction for stave churches like Borgund remained a mystery, with experts only able to make educated guesses. However, recent research conducted by a team from the Technical University of Munich has provided fascinating insights into the building process. Using advanced digital tools and 3D modeling, researchers have been able to reconstruct the sequence of construction with unprecedented detail.

One of the most intriguing discoveries challenges the previously held belief that entire wall sections were ᴀssembled on the ground and then tilted into place. The examination of corner connections between components in Borgund revealed that the main structure, consisting of columns, was actually built individually. The overlapped corner connections of the horizontal beams above and below the wooden St. Andrew’s crosses made it impossible to ᴀssemble and tilt entire walls. Instead, the columns were set up one by one, with additional components added from scaffolding.

Here’s a digital reconstruction of the building process.

The research also uncovered interesting connections to Viking shipbuilding techniques. The church features “arched knees” as reinforcing structural elements, similar to those found in Viking ships. These components were crafted from naturally curved pieces of wood, typically from tree roots, showcasing the builders’ resourcefulness and their ability to adapt shipbuilding methods to architectural purposes.

Another fascinating aspect of the church’s construction is the use of wedged wooden nails. Forty percent of the wooden nails used in Borgund feature an additional wedge, a technique that provides a more secure hold as the wood shrinks over time. This method was also commonly used in Viking shipbuilding, further emphasizing the cultural and technological links between maritime and architectural traditions in medieval Norway.

The Borgund Stave Church is not just a marvel of construction; it’s also rich in symbolism and artistic details. The church features intricate carvings, including stylized dragon heads on its gables and carved circular cutouts on the steeple. These elements, along with the carved figures on the pillars of the portals, have been the subject of much speculation and research. Recent analysis suggests that some of these figures may represent mythical creatures, possibly inspired by the legendary Cerberus, serving as guardians of the church entrances.

The ability of medieval Norse craftsmen to create such a complex and enduring structure using primarily wood and innovative joinery techniques is truly remarkable. The church stands not only as a place of historical worship but as a living laboratory, offering insights into medieval construction methods, artistic expression, and cultural beliefs. The ongoing research and preservation efforts show that this extraordinary piece of architectural heritage continues to inspire and educate generation after generation.

Sources: 1, 2