English

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: Contingency for norwegians abroad

Code of Conduct – The Norwegian Seamen`s Church

Contact us

You can contact your local sjømannskirke directly. Find information about each station here.

Our main offices are based in Bergen and Oslo.

Email: info@sjomannskirken.no
Telephone: +47 55 55 22 55

Opening hours: 08:00am - 15:30pm. Monday to Friday.

Adress in Bergen
Strandgaten 198
Nordnes, Bergen

Adress in Oslo
Sjømannskirken
Nedre Slottsgate 4
Oslo

Find information about our staff here.

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 established several church-buildings 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 stay.

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. (1/3 from the Government, 2/3 from private sponsors and companies)

• Around 700 weddings per year.
• 1500 visits to Norwegian vessels per year.
• 4000 visits to hospitalized norwegians abroad per year.
• 1500 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.