Wang Temple

The Mountain Church of Our Savior, commonly known as the Wang Church, is an Evangelical parish church in Karpacz, relocated from Norway in 1842. Built at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries from pine logs in the town of Vang, it is an example of the Norwegian architectural style called stavkirke. It is considered the oldest wooden church in Poland. In the 19th century, due to its small size, the local community decided to build a new temple, which prompted the Prussian King Frederick William IV to purchase the old church. After dismantling and transporting it to Karpacz, reconstruction began, using only 1/15 of the original elements. The ultimately reconstructed church, featuring richly decorated portals and wooden columns, gained new elements, including cloisters and a tower. The Wang Church became the seat of the Evangelical parish and has been actively used since 1844. The interior of the temple is characterized by rich decorations and carvings, while the structure itself relies on wooden joints without the use of nails. In 1963–1965, conservation work was carried out, including the renovation of wooden elements, replacement of the roof covering, and electrical installation. Interestingly, the church cemetery is the final resting place not only of parishioners and their pastors but also of those who died in the mountains, including Tadeusz Różewicz. In place of former World War I soldier monuments, there is now a sculpture titled "The Resurrection of Lazarus." The Wang Church, with its carved organ and richly decorated altar, is not only a place of worship but also a tourist attraction in the region, drawing numerous visitors interested in both history and architecture.