A neo-Gothic parish church in Oslo’s Ulven neighborhood, consecrated in 1860 with eight monolith columns of local stone and interiors enhanced by early 20th-century craftsmanship.
At a glance
Østre Aker Church stands in the Ulven district of northeastern Oslo, surrounded by mature trees and green cemetery grounds. Built of brick in neo-Gothic style, the church was designed to mirror Vestre Aker Church. Its interior combines 19th-century stone columns with 20th-century artistic additions—a rose window, altarpiece, and organ—making it a layered record of Oslo’s ecclesiastical heritage.
History
The church was constructed in 1860 and consecrated on 5 September that year, with Prince Oscar among the attendees. Masonry brothers Carl, Ferdinand, and Albert Unger were commissioned to execute the brickwork, ensuring consistency with the earlier Vestre Aker Church. Modernization began in 1925 with the installation of electricity, followed by interior improvements commissioned from architect Helge Thiis in 1928.
What you see
The church’s defining feature is its series of eight monolith columns carved from single blocks of local grefsensyenitt stone. A rose window by designer Frøydis Haavardsholm and glazier G. A. Larsen depicts the blessing of children by Jesus. The 1860 sandstone baptismal font, the wooden altarpiece by carver Thorleif Sohlberg (1928), and the pulpit positioned left of the chancel complete the interior arrangement. The origins of the 46-voice organ, dating to the second half of the 19th century, remain uncertain.
Cultural significance
The church exemplifies mid-19th-century Norwegian ecclesiastical architecture while documenting evolving tastes through its early modernist interventions. The work of sculptor Maria Vigeland—her 1970 bronze “Hvilende kvinne” (Reclining Woman) positioned at the entrance—adds contemporary art to the setting.
Key facts
- Location: Ulven, Alna, Oslo, Norway
- Coordinates: 59.922°N, 10.820°E
- Completed: 1860
- Style: Neo-Gothic
- UNESCO/Heritage: Listed 85915 by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage
Practical information & getting there
The church is located in the Ulven neighborhood of northeastern Oslo. You can access current visiting hours and service times through the Oslo Church District website. The surrounding cemetery and mature trees make the grounds accessible year-round.
Sources & resources
- Østre Aker Church – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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