Terracotta Angel, c.1896
Watts Chapel, England

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

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Labyrinths in churches are found throughout Scandinavia. A few examples are graffiti, but the majority are painted as wall or ceiling decoration, as frescos directly onto fresh plaster. Unlike the pavement labyrinths to the south, with only one exception at Grinstad in Sweden, they are all of the old 'classical' design, or developments from it. They are scattered across southern Norway, Sweden and Finland, with the largest concentration in Denmark. Many are difficult to see or only partially preserved, the examples at Slidre and Seljord in Norway, Hablingbo and Grinstad in Sweden, Hesselager and Roerslev in Denmark and at Maaria church in Turku, Finland, are among the finest. All can be dated between the late 14th to early 16th centuries, with the possible exception of the unique example at Grinstad, which may belong to the early 13th century.

We also have photos of the stone labyrinths in Scandinavia - click here for a selection from our extensive collection.

To learn more about these unusual labyrinths in Scandinavian churches, read the article Labyrinths in Nordic Churches in the Caerdroia archive section on this website.

All of the images on this page (and many more besides!) are available in high resolution digital formats for licensed reproduction. For details of reproduction fees and permission procedures, send us an e-mail with details of your planned usage and format requirements.

Modern labyrinth in church courtyard, Visby, Sweden

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

Scandinavian Church Labyrinths

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