Stave Church Gallery at Epcot (with the Gods of the Viking Exhibit)
As you enter the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, you’ll encounter the Stave Church Gallery model. For some time now, the Stave Church Gallery has hosted an exhibit called “Gods of the Vikings.” This exhibit shares the history of the Viking gods Thor, Loki, and Freya.
If you’re in the area and would like, you can take a quick walkthrough of the exhibit. It won’t take long because the church’s interior is rather small. You might also take a moment to admire the exterior details. It’s a detailed replica of the Gol Stave Church that dates back to around 1200. The original still sits in a Norwegian museum.
Only a handful of replicas are available for touring in various parts of the world, including this one at Epcot. Like most of the things you see strolling the World Showcase, there’s more than meets the eye.
Below is a look at the intricate door carvings around the entrance of the Stave Church Gallery.
Here are a few quick references for the Stave Church Gallery.
| Stave Church Gallery | Epcot |
|---|---|
Location: | Norway Pavilion |
Height Requirement: | N/A |
Ride Type: | Walk Through Exhibit |
Rider Switch: | N/A |
Good For: | Anyone |
Scare Factor: | None |
Must-Do List: | Low Priority |
Perfect For: | Mythology Fans |
Special Mention: | Thor and Loki are featured in the exhibit. |
Stave Church Gallery
Inside the Stave Church Gallery, you’ll find a faux tree with intricate carvings of the Viking gods.
Thor wields his mighty hammer. When I was taking these photos for an update, a father came in with his son and said, “Oh, this isn’t Marvel.” No, it’s not.
Here is Freya, known in mythology as the goddess of love.
This sign provides an overview of the mythology of the Vikings.
A few displays along the back wall provide details about the mythological gods of the Vikings.
The exhibit includes familiar names like Thor.
Loki might ring a bell, too, for those familiar with the Marvel franchise.
Freya has an interesting story.
Freya was said to be loved by everyone, but she longed to be with her husband, who wasn’t around much. So, she would disguise herself as a hawk and fly over the world looking for him. During the process, she would weep, and her tears would turn to gold. Therefore, gold was often referred to as Freya’s tears in early Viking poetry.
At least, that’s what the sign in the exhibit says. Each display has a few artifacts or replicas related to the early Vikings.
An authentic Broa picture stone makes up part of the exhibit.
These stones are considered the most useful source of information about Viking mythology.
This particular display has been in the Stave Church Gallery at Epcot since 2018. Most countries in the World Showcase have had these exhibits for a couple of years. Eventually, they will be changed out for something new.
If you are in the Norway area, make sure to check it out. The Stave Church has a door on each side, and it doesn’t matter which one you enter. For more rides and entertainment offerings in this park, see our Epcot Ride Guide. Check back with Resorts Gal for the latest Disney updates and reviews.
In the Comments
Have you ever stopped inside to see the Stave Church Gallery? Let us know below in the comments.