Kerken op Snaefellsnes

Icelandic Churches and Places of Worship

This collection highlights the diverse ecclesiastical architecture of Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. From the iconic black-painted Búðakirkja to the historic Bjarnarhafnarkirkja, these sites range from 19th-century wooden structures to mid-20th-century concrete designs. Many are situated on former estates or significant historical sites, such as Ingjaldshóll, which is linked to legends of Christopher Columbus. These rural landmarks reflect the region's religious heritage and offer insights into local construction styles across different eras.

Icelandic Churches and Places of Worship — Kaart

Jon Gretarsson / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Búðakirkja

Distinctive black-painted wooden church originally built in 1703 and reconstructed in 1848. It stands alone in the Búðahraun lava field.

Zelmira Rodriguez / CC-BY-SA

B

Ingjaldshólskirkja

Concrete church built in 1903, replacing one of the world's oldest stone churches. Local tradition claims Christopher Columbus stayed here in 1477.

C

Hellnakirkja

Wooden church consecrated in 1945, located on the coast at Hellnar. It replaced an older structure dating back to 1891.

D

Fáskrúðarbakkakirkja

Small rural church consecrated in 1934. It features a traditional white exterior with a red roof and serves the local farming community.

E

Ytri-Rauðamelur

Small rural church located near the Rauðamelsölkelda mineral spring.

F

Narfeyrarkirkja

Wooden church built in 1899 on the Skógarströnd coast. It is noted for its simple design and historical role in the local parish.

G

Kolbeinsstaðakirkja

Concrete church built in 1933. It serves as a central landmark for the Kolbeinsstaðahreppur district.

H

Staðastaðarkirkja

Built in 1945, this site was the historical home of Ari the Wise, Iceland's first historian. The church features a classic Icelandic design.

I

Brimilsvallakirkja

Concrete church completed in 1923. It is distinguished by its square tower and location on the northern side of the peninsula.

J

Bjarnarhafnarkirkja

Historic wooden church built in 1857. It contains several artifacts from older churches and is located on the Bjarnarhöfn shark-farming estate.

K

Miklaholtskirkja

Consecrated in 1946, this church is known for its altarpiece painted by Icelandic artist Kristín Jónsdóttir.

L

Breiðabólsstaðarkirkja

Wooden church built in 1911. It stands on an ancient farmstead that has been a church site since the early days of Christianity in Iceland.