HEDDAL STAVE CHURCH NORWAY ( 1200 ) Heddal Stave Church is the largest stave church to remain in Norway . Situated in Heddal within Notodden , the church was constructed in the 13th century and is popular with locals and tourists . Parts of the church are dated even earlier , as historians believe the chancel to have been constructed in the early 12th century . The building is constructed from Norwegian pine , with 12 large support columns amongst six support pillars . Rose paintings can be seen within the interior , dated from the 15th century . In addition , there is a historic bishops chair and medieval carvings illustrating Viking Sigurd the Dragon Slayer . Despite undergoing several restorations , the building remains as a stunning piece of wooden architecture .