Historic Churches

This collection features five historic and mid-century churches located within the Dalvíkurbyggð municipality in northern Iceland. The selection spans from the mid-19th-century timber structures of Vallakirkja and Tjarnarkirkja to the 1960 modernist Dalvíkurkirkja. These sites represent the evolution of Icelandic ecclesiastical architecture, featuring traditional wood-cladding and early 20th-century concrete construction. Many of these locations, such as Urðakirkja, have served as spiritual centers since the medieval period, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage of the Svarfaðardalur valley.

Dalvíkurkirkja

Modernist concrete church consecrated in 1960. It features a prominent bell tower and replaced an earlier building damaged in the 1934 Dalvík earthquake.

Tjarnarkirkja

A traditional wooden church built in 1892. It is located at Tjörn in the Svarfaðardalur valley and features a classic Icelandic steeple and gabled roof.

Vallakirkja

Timber church constructed in 1861. It is one of the oldest preserved buildings in the region, featuring a simple rectangular floor plan and traditional wood-cladding.

Stærri-Árskógskirkja

Concrete church completed in 1927, replacing a series of previous structures on this ancient site. It serves the Árskógsströnd community overlooking Eyjafjörður.

Urðakirkja

Wooden church built in 1902 at a site with historical mentions dating back to the 13th century. It features a distinctive spire and sits within a historic cemetery.