English
Welcome to Sjømannskirken - Norwegian Church Abroad.
Sjømannskirken – Norwegian Church Abroad, is a non-profit organization with a commission from the Parliament to serve Norwegians abroad. We have 28 churches around the world, who serve as social and cultural meeting places. In addition, chaplains cover around 80 countries, meeting Norwegian students, expats and other norwegians abroad. Norwegian oil installations in the North Sea and ships are also frequently visited by chaplains.
Our employees are trained in supporting people who experience crises, and accidents. Read more about contingency for Norwegians abroad and their next of kin here:
Contact us
You can contact your local sjømannskirke directly.
Our main offices are based in Bergen and Oslo
Email: info@sjomannskirken.no
Telephone: +47 55 55 22 55 (08:00 am - 15:30 pm. Mon-Fri)
Our history
Sjømannskirken – Norwegian church abroad was established in Bergen, Norway in 1864. The main mission was to establish safe havens for Norwegian seamen around the world. Priests visited harbours and ships, and within few years the organisation opened several churches in different countries.
Today we continue to meet Norwegians abroad, but our focus has shifted from concentrating mainly on sailors, to all Norwegians living, studying and working around the world. We also have churches in popular tourist destinations and in cities where many Norwegians live.
Support us
As a non-profit the Norwegian Church Abroad is depended on donations. Donations can be done directly to your local Sjømannskirke or to our gifts account.
IBAN: NO44 3000 1790 400
BIC/Swift-adresse: SPSONO22XXX
NO 938 555 222 MVA
For questions about donations. Please contact giverservice@sjomannskirken.no
Economy and activities
Yearly budget 230 million NOK. (1/2 from the Government, 1/2 from private sponsors and companies)
- Around 400 weddings per year.
- 600 visits to Norwegian vessels per year.
- 1100 visits to hospitalized norwegians abroad per year.
- 1200 church services per year.
- 220 agreements with companies and universities on Emergency response and the handling of crises. We represent a resource for both Norwegian and international staff in these matters.