Berg Gamle Kirke (pronounced "BER-ry GAM-leh, KEERK-uh"), or "the old church of Berg," is located on road 301, about midway between Stavern and Helgeroa, Norway. You can’t miss it. I would have loved to see inside this stark building. The few small windows are encased in a thick wall of brick. The front door is equally imposing and was very much locked when we arrived. The newer church, just up the road, must be used for regular services.

I found very little information about Berg Gamle Kirke, and only in Norwegian (thanks to Susanne for translating). The best source I could find suggests the church was built in the 1100s by Viking chiefs who had converted to Christianity. In fact, Berg Gamle Kirke is one of the oldest Christian monuments in this part of Norway. It was demolished in 1882 (I don’t know why) and remained a ruin until 1960, when it was rebuilt. The folks who tore it down apparently found a grave in the wall, and the remains of an adult (maybe a medieval king). Many old coins also were found, dating as far back as 1177. Some speculate that the coins were left by people seeking to pay for their sins.