Cathedral Ruins in Hamar

Thorfinn and many other bishops of the area disagreed with King Eric II of Norway regarding a number of issues, including episcopal elections.

Although still used, the cathedral fell into disrepair, which culminated with its besiegement by the Swedish army and attempted demolition in 1567 during the Northern Seven Years' War.

Swedish forces had launched attacks into Eastern Norway, capturing Hamar and continued towards Oslo.

[3] Dating from 1987, construction started on the building of a protective structure to conserve the remains of the cathedral.

Completed in 1998, the distinctive arches of the cathedral ruins are today protected by one of the most ambitious construction projects of its kind ever undertaken by the Norwegian government.

Hamar Cathedral ruins protected by a glass structure
Photograph of the ruins, 1902
Drawing of the ruins by Joachim Frich , c. 1848
Hamar Cathedral, drawing by Olaf Nordhagen