Hvidbjerg Church - Thyholm
A Historic Jewel of Stone and Spirit Hvidbjerg Church is a striking ashlar stone church with an apse dating back to around 1200 and two Late Gothic transepts. The southern transept serves as a burial chapel, housing three wooden coffins adorned with sandstone ornamentation from around 1750.
The south entrance features an oak door from 1668 with a Romanesque bronze head – a rare artistic detail. The pulpit from 1596 displays six prophets and a sounding board with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The chancel arch crucifix dates to around 1450.
Inside, visitors will find a curious hanging wooden figure depicting Jonah and the whale, a beautiful ship model, and a brass chandelier – all from around 1750.
The altarpiece combines elements from four different periods, including terracotta scenes of Christ carrying the cross and carved figures of the evangelists.
Outside, the church is surrounded by a charming stone wall with an unusually high number of split stones.
Hvidbjerg Church is also the site of a dramatic historical event: the bishop’s murder in 1260, when Bishop Oluf Glob of Børglum was killed before the altar by his nephew Jens Glob over an inheritance dispute. This tale was later retold by Hans Christian Andersen in the story "The Bishop of Børglum and His Kinsman" (2005).
