This church is just south of the town of Ringebu and has a long history as one of the last remaining stave churches of Norway built about 1220.  At one time there were approximately a thousand of them scattered around the country.  Now there are only 28 surviving.  The principle problem with the design of the church is the way the foundation was done or not done.  The main supporting timbers were originally planted directly into the ground and  rotted in the wet and snowy season.  An earlier version of this church was discovered during excavations in 1980-81 such as the old post holes. These earlier versions may have actually been pagan sites for the worship of Odin and other Norse gods.  They are put together using no nails only dovetail joints.  The tower was only added in 1630. This one shows the incredible wood working skills of the earlier eras. Since this was built at a time of transition between the Norse gods and Christianity there are some remnants of pagan symbolism still visible such as Norse gods high up at the top of the pillars under the roof.   In this church two runic inscriptions, animal drawings and the figure of a man have been found crudely carved into the wall." The present church is still used for services but also a primary stop for tour buses.  Stones from much earlier graves have been removed to safer keeping under an awning behind the church.  This church is also on St. Olaf's Way, the pilgrimage route from Oslo to Trondheim. [Ringebu Stavkyrkje pamphlet 2016] 

source:

Christenson, Elroy.  photos 2016
Ringebu Stavkyrkje pamphlet 2016,  author Hilde Guttu, ringebu@stavechurch.no