St John’s Church 🇳🇴

When visiting Bergen, Norway, you should make a point to explore St. John’s Church (known locally as Johanneskirken). Located in the Sydnes area of the city, this active Church of Norway site stands out as the largest church in Bergen, with seating for 690 people. As you approach, you will immediately notice its striking red brick exterior and dramatic Gothic Revival architecture.

Built between 1891 and 1894 in a classic cruciform design, the church features the highest tower in the entire city, soaring 61 meters (200 feet) above Bergen. The main tower is equipped with four stair towers and a carillon. Inside, you can admire beautiful ceiling frescoes painted in 1924 by Hugo Lous Mohr, as well as a striking 1894 altarpiece designed by Marcus Grønvold that depicts Christ in prayer. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the historic organ, originally constructed by Germany's Schlag & Söhne and later modernized in 1967.

Designed by architect Herman Backer, this historic landmark has been welcoming visitors since its consecration on March 15, 1894. Whether you are interested in grand late-nineteenth-century architecture or local history, St. John's Church offers a memorable highlight during your time in central Bergen.

What to see at St John's Church

• The city's highest church tower at 61 meters (200 ft), featuring four stair towers and a carillon
• Detailed ceiling frescoes completed in 1924 by Hugo Lous Mohr
• An 1894 altarpiece designed by Marcus Grønvold depicting Christ in prayer
• Bergen's largest capacity church with seating for 690 people
• A historic organ built by Schlag & Söhne and modernized in 1967

Visiting tips

Be sure to look up inside the sanctuary to examine the ceiling frescoes painted by Hugo Lous Mohr in 1924.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

St John's Church is easy to reach on Bergen’s public transport, and pairs naturally with University Museum of Bergen and St Mary's Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bergen travel guide.