Iconic Churches of West Iceland

West Iceland’s ecclesiastical architecture ranges from the 19th-century black wooden structure at Búðir to the 1990 modernist Stykkishólmskirkja. These sites highlight the region's history, including Ingjaldshólskirkja, one of the world's oldest concrete churches, and Húsafellskirkja, which serves the historic Húsafell estate. Set against dramatic backdrops of lava fields, mountains, and coastal cliffs, these churches provide insight into Iceland's transition from traditional wood and turf to modern concrete construction.

Iconic Churches of West Iceland — Harita

Jon Gretarsson / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Búðir

A 19th-century black wooden church situated within a lava field. Originally constructed in 1703 and rebuilt in 1848, it is one of the few remaining examples of pitch-black Icelandic churches.

B

Church of Stykkishólmur

White concrete building overlooking the town. Opened in 1990, it is also used as a concert venue.

Zelmira Rodriguez / CC-BY-SA

C

Ingjaldshólskirkja

Built in 1903, this is one of the oldest concrete churches in the world. It stands on a historic site that previously housed a larger medieval structure, once serving as a navigational landmark for mariners.

D

Kolbeinsstaðakirkja

A rural concrete church built in 1933. It features a traditional design with a central steeple and sits at the base of the mountains in the Kolbeinsstaðir parish.

E

Húsafellskirkja

A historic church on the Húsafell estate, consecrated in 1904. The interior features artwork by local sculptor Páll Guðmundsson, and the site has been a religious center for centuries.