Churches & Architecture
Iceland's famous churches — architecture, history and access
Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík
Modernism (Guðjón Samúelsson)
74 m tower, basalt columns. Built 1945–1986.
Daily 9–17
Entry free, tower lift ~1000 ISK
Þríhyrningskirkja
Vík í Mýrdal
Módernismi (Guðjón Samúelsson)
Three towers, white on green. Built 1932–1934.
Daily
Free
Búðakirkja
Snæfellsnes
Timber church 1847
Black timber church in a lava field. Rebuilt 1987.
Summer: daily
Free
Hólskirkja
Skagafjörður
Stone church
Concrete 1886. One of the largest churches.
By appointment
Free
Stavkirkja (Vestmannaeyjar)
Vestmannaeyjar (Heimaey)
Norwegian replica
Replica given by Norway in 2000, modelled on a medieval stave church.
Daily 9–18
Free (park fee)
Skálholtskirkja
Skálholt
Modern (1963)
Bishop's seat from 1056. Stained glass by Gerður Helgadóttir.
Daily 9–18
Free
Icelandic architecture
Icelandic churches reflect nature — basalt, turf and stone. Hallgrímskirkja is the capital's landmark, inspired by basalt columns.
Turf churches are unique — roofed with turf and grass. Only six remain in the country.
Architects
- Guðjón Samúelsson — designer of Hallgrímskirkja, Þríhyrningskirkja and more.
- Samúelsson blended Icelandic nature with modern forms.
- Turf churches built by unknown craftsmen, often 18th–19th century.