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Icelandic Churches of Note

This collection highlights the diverse ecclesiastical architecture of Northern Iceland, ranging from the rare turf-roofed Saurbæjarkirkja to the ornate, privately funded Grundarkirkja. These sites include 19th-century wooden structures, modern monuments like Þorgeirskirkja, and locations of former medieval monasteries such as Munkaþverá. Many churches, including Laufáskirkja and Grenjaðarstaðarkirkja, sit alongside preserved historic farms, offering insight into the region's religious development and social history from the settlement era to the present day.

Icelandic Churches of Note — Kaart

A

Saurbæjarkirkja

One of only six remaining turf churches in Iceland, built in 1858. It features thick stone and turf walls with a grass-covered roof.

B

Ólafsfjarðarkirkja

A concrete church completed in 1915. It contains an altarpiece by renowned Icelandic artist Ásgrímur Jónsson depicting the Sermon on the Mount.

C

Kirkjan á Kvíabekk

A rural wooden church rebuilt in 1892 on a site with religious history dating back to the Catholic era.

D

Urðakirkja

Located in Svarfaðardalur, this wooden church was built in 1902 after its predecessor was destroyed by a severe storm.

E

Bakkakirkja

A small, traditional wooden church in Öxnadalur, constructed in 1843.

F

Bægisárkirkja

A wooden church built in 1858. The site is famous as the home of poet and priest Jón Þorláksson, who translated Milton’s Paradise Lost into Icelandic.

G

Grenjaðarstaðarkirkja

Built in 1865, this church stands next to one of Iceland’s largest historic turf farms, which now serves as a museum.

H

Möðruvallakirkja

A wooden church built in 1865, located in the agricultural valley of Eyjafjörður.

I

Munkaþverárkirkja

Built in 1844, this church marks the site of a Benedictine monastery established in 1155. A monument to Iceland’s last Catholic bishop, Jón Arason, stands nearby.

J

Draflastaðakirkja

A distinctive wooden church in Fnjóskadalur, completed in 1926.

K

Þorgeirskirkja

A modern church inaugurated in 2000 to mark the millennium of Iceland's conversion to Christianity. It is named after the law-speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði.

L

Grundarkirkja

One of Iceland’s most impressive wooden churches, built in 1905. It features unique architectural details and was funded entirely by a local farmer.

M

Skútustaðakirkja

A wooden church built between 1861 and 1863, situated near the pseudo-craters of Lake Mývatn.

N

Þóroddsstaðarkirkja

A small parish church in the Kinn region, with the current building dating back to 1891.

O

Illugastaðakirkja

A traditional wooden church in Fnjóskadalur, built in 1861.

P

Grenivíkurkirkja

A wooden church built in 1886, serving the fishing village of Grenivík.

Q

Glæsibæjarkirkja

A wooden church in Eyjafjörður built in 1866, known for its classic Icelandic rural design.

R

Laufáskirkja

Built in 1865, this church features a pulpit dating to 1698 and stands adjacent to the well-preserved Laufás turf farm museum.

S

Möðruvallakirkja

A large stone church built in 1867 on the site of a former Augustinian monastery founded in 1296.

T

Flateyjarkirkja

Located on the island of Flatey in Skjálfandi Bay, this church was built in 1960 to replace an older 19th-century structure.