Historic churches in Northwestern Iceland

Historic Churches & Chapels

North Iceland’s ecclesiastical heritage ranges from 17th-century turf structures to mid-century modernism. This collection features the red sandstone cathedral at Hólar, the oldest stone church in the country, and the uniquely shaped Blönduóskirkja, designed to mirror volcanic landscapes. Historic sites like Þingeyrarkirkja mark the location of Iceland's first monastery, while preserved turf churches at Víðimýri and Gröf showcase traditional building techniques using peat and timber.

Villy Fink Isaksen / CC BY-SA 4.0

Vidimyri Turf Church

A beautiful staple of old Icelandic architecture. Services are still held here, but you can always just take a look around the church.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Grafarkirkja

Iceland's oldest turf church, dating back to the late 17th century. It is known for its intricate interior wood carvings and traditional peat-wall construction.

Arian Zwegers / CC BY 2.0

Þingeyrarklausturskirkja

A stone church completed in 1877 on the site of Iceland's first monastery. The interior contains a 15th-century alabaster altarpiece and a pulpit from 1696.

Lenka Říhová / CC-BY-SA

Blönduóskirkja

A striking modernist structure completed in 1993. The architecture is inspired by the shape of a volcanic crater and the surrounding mountains.

Hólakirkja

Built in 1763 from local red sandstone, this is the oldest stone church in Iceland. It served as the cathedral for the northern bishopric of Hólar.

Glaumbæjarkirkja

Located next to the historic turf farm museum, this wooden church was consecrated in 1926, replacing an earlier structure.

Sauðárkrókskirkja

A timber church built in 1892. The interior features an altarpiece painted by the Danish artist Anker Lund.

Hofsósskirkja

A stone church consecrated in 1960, notable for its minimalist design and scenic location overlooking the fjord.

Blönduóskirkja eldri

A traditional black-painted wooden church built in 1894. It served as the primary place of worship before the construction of the town's modern church.