Tanum Church, Bærum

Tanum Church is a medieval church located at Tanumpatået.

This is a great place for a pause - there is a "pilgrim bench" just by the entrance. In the church, and in the parish house right next to the church, you will find a pilgrim stamp (also outside the church in a mail box).

Tanum church was most likely built around 1146. It is therefore soon 880 years old!

On the 9th of March the church was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Traces of the inauguration can still be seen in the church on the consecration cross - also called Mary's cross. During the inauguration the bishop sprinkled holy oil in 12 places on the walls of the nave and chancel as a symbol of the 12 apostles.

In the 14th century, the walls were painted with scenes from the passion of Christ and (most likely) resurrection story. It's likely that some of the motifs also included Mary. The walls are quite unique compared to the interior of other Norwegian churches. Unfortunately, they are in a poor condition, due to overpainting in the 19th century.

The rest of the interior, including the altarpiece, pulpit and baptismal font, date from the period following the Reformation. Much of this interior was given as a gift by the Krefting family who owned Bærum's works (Bærum verk).

The Krefting family have a private burial chapel next to the church.

With Nidaros as their destination, it is thought that pilgrims have stopped by Tanum Church on their way to Sankt Hallvard's farm, Huseby in Lier.