The first stone church in Nes was built on the headland between the Glomma and Vorma rivers in the twelfth century.
The ruins of the old Nes church can be visited any time anf guided tours for groups by prior arrangement April- October.
In pre-Christian times, there was a sacrificial site here. The church was built as a long church in Romanesque style in the 12th century. It was set on fire by the Swedes during the Seven Years' War in 1566, but was rebuilt and expanded into a cruciform church in 1697. In 1854, the church burned down again, but due to the danger of landslides, it was not rebuilt.
Some of the inventory from the old church was saved and is now located in the new Nes church from 1860. Magnificent views of the confluence of the rivers and the Nesbygda area.
Today the ruins host concerts and weddings at this magnificent location.
Nes, or Store Nes as it was called in ancient times, got its name from the promontory formed by the meeting of the Vorma and Glomma rivers. Nestangen is worth a visit in itself. Here you will find varied vegetation, beautiful cultural landscape, reminders of major landslides, and, not least, the church ruins, which the national antiquarian called the most beautiful ruin in Norway.
Around the church, there is a park where benches and tables have been set up for a pleasant rest. The old church cabin standing here was moved here from Fenstad north in the village and was the place where Norway's first coin engraver came from.
From E16, it is well marked with signs. Outside the winter season, you can drive all the way down to the ruins during the daytime, where a parking lot has also been constructed. On the way down, you pass Ullershov farm with proud traditions spanning many hundreds of years.
Important information for visitors to Nes church ruins
It is not allowed to drive by car or other vehicle down to Nes chruch ruins at night time!
Road barrier has been set up at the farm Ullershov, with information about opening hours. The barrier goes down at 11pm and does not open until 7am.
During the winter months, the road will be inaccessible to vehicles, due to ice or snow. All traffic will then be at your own risk.
Information from Visit Greater Oslo