![VÅLER CHURCH IN HEDMARK.jpg.jpe VÅLER CHURCH IN HEDMARK.jpg.jpe](https://www.churchproduction.com/downloads/21021/download/VA%CC%8ALER%20CHURCH%20IN%20HEDMARK.jpg.jpe?cb=5e0c0c4b96908598c494bea66ac32dd0&w={width}&h={height})
Photo: Rasmus Norlander
Våler Church, the largest wooden church in Europe, was inaugurated in May 2015. A remarkable structure, the 350-seat house of worship has won numerous architecture awards.
Oslo-based architect espen surnevik designed the contemporary church as part of the country's second largest architectural competition which drew 239 participants from 23 countries.
The church was built of locally sourced birch and pine, native to the surrounding forest. The design features two timber towers that mark the main liturgical spaces, as well as a church hall and a baptistery.
![interior tower worship .jpg.jpe interior tower worship .jpg.jpe](https://www.churchproduction.com/downloads/21022/download/interior%20tower%20worship%20.jpg.jpe?cb=b165425abe0a4b3fb7fffd8b534f53dd&w={width}&h={height})
Photo: Rasmus Norlander
![espen-surnevik-vler-kirke-04.jpg.jpe espen-surnevik-vler-kirke-04.jpg.jpe](https://www.churchproduction.com/downloads/21023/download/espen-surnevik-vler-kirke-04.jpg.jpe?cb=67c4513aa746588bff53ac157363df1d&w={width}&h={height})
Photo: Rasmus Norlander
Richard Rensch Orgelbau of Germany built the church's organ, which is considered one of the best in Norway.
![valer organ.jpg.jpe valer organ.jpg.jpe](https://www.churchproduction.com/downloads/21024/download/valer%20organ.jpg.jpe?cb=ff87a93891119ffff12ba41a425b0430&w={width}&h={height})
Photo: Rasmus Norlander
The wooden structure features two towers, one of them containing the church's worship space.
![valer interior rasmus norlander.jpg.jpe valer interior rasmus norlander.jpg.jpe](https://www.churchproduction.com/downloads/21025/download/valer%20interior%20rasmus%20norlander.jpg.jpe?cb=aa5b267efc86f924f555ef05dce2234f&w={width}&h={height})
Photo: Rasmus Norlander
Learn more here: Visit Norway