Iceland has a wide variety of churches, from large and modern to small and traditional. Some are in town centres, while others stand alone in remote landscapes. Whether it’s the famous Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, the black Búðakirkja in Snæfellsnes, or the historic bishopric at Skálholt, each has its own story and place in Iceland’s history.
This list of the top 20 churches in Iceland covers churches across the country. Some churches are well-known, while others stand in small villages or remote areas. Whether you are interested in architecture and history or looking for unique stops on a road trip, these churches offer plenty to explore.
Join our walking tours in Reykjavik to see some of these churches.
Top 20 Churches in Iceland
Reykjavík & Southwest
Hallgrímskirkja (Reykjavík)
Hallgrímskirkja, one of the top 20 churches in Iceland, is Iceland’s most iconic and tallest church, standing 74.5 metres (244 feet) high. Guðjón Samúelsson designed it with inspiration from Iceland’s basalt column formations, giving it a dramatic, angular shape. Construction began in 1945 and lasted 41 years before its consecration in 1986. The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, Iceland’s most famous hymn writer. In addition, it houses a massive pipe organ, 15 metres tall, built by German organ maker Johannes Klais. Furthermore, the viewing platform in the tower provides panoramic views over Reykjavík.
Dómkirkjan í Reykjavík
The Reykjavík Cathedral (Dómkirkjan í Reykjavík) stands as a small yet historically significant Lutheran church in downtown Reykjavík. Originally consecrated in 1796, it serves as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland. Moreover, architect Andreas J. Upcher designed it in a neoclassical style, giving it a white exterior with simple yet elegant details. Notably, the church actively shaped Iceland’s independence movement, hosting the first session of the Alþingi (Parliament) in 1845 after its return from Denmark.
Hvalsneskirkja (Reykjanes Peninsula)
Hvalsneskirkja is a picturesque stone church located near Sandgerði on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Built in 1887, it was constructed using locally sourced basalt. The interior features a beautifully carved wooden pulpit and painted altarpiece, while the original baptismal font from 1644 is still in use. Poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, after whom Hallgrímskirkja is named, once served as a priest at Hvalsnes.
Garðakirkja (Garðabær)
Garðakirkja is a reconstruction of a 19th-century church, completed in 1966. The original church at Garðar held historical significance as a medieval church centre. The 19th-century church was dismantled in 1939, and the current structure was built based on that design rather than the medieval one. The Garðabær Women’s Association led the reconstruction, ensuring the preservation of its historical and cultural value. Although the building is relatively modern, it stands on a site with deep religious roots in Icelandic history, making it a worthy addition to the top 20 churches in Iceland
West & Westfjords
Búðakirkja (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
Búðakirkja, often called “the black church of Búðir,” is one of the most photographed and isolated churches in Iceland. Situated in the Búðahraun lava field on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this striking black wooden church visually contrasts with the landscape of moss-covered lava, mountains, and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Built in 1703, the church was demolished and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating from 1848. Unlike many Icelandic churches, a private parishioner group owns it rather than the National Church of Iceland, ensuring its preservation. The church’s minimalist interior features a historical altar and chalice gifted by the Danish king in the 17th century. Despite its small size, Búðakirkja remains a popular location for weddings and photography.
Stykkishólmskirkja (Stykkishólmur)
Stykkishólmskirkja is a modernist church in the charming fishing town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Notably, designed by Jón Haraldsson and completed in 1990, this church stands out with its curved, wave-like structure, inspired by the sea and nature. In particular, the design resembles a ship’s bow, symbolising the town’s maritime heritage. Inside, the church houses an impressive Austrian-built organ with over 1,000 pipes, which is frequently used for concerts and services.Due to its unique architecture and excellent acoustics, Stykkishólmskirkja is a place of worship and a venue for musical performances, earning it a place among the top 20 churches in Iceland.
Saurbæjarkirkja (Rauðasandur, Westfjords)
Saurbæjarkirkja is a small but distinctive black church near Rauðasandur Beach in the Westfjords. The original church was built in 1856 in Reykhólar, but it was later relocated in 1982 to its current site, which now stands as a local landmark. Unlike most Icelandic churches, which are white with red roofs, Saurbæjarkirkja’s dark wooden exterior makes it stand out against the red sands of Rauðasandur and the surrounding cliffs. Though simple in design, the church has a peaceful and remote setting, making it a fascinating stop for those exploring one of the least-visited regions of Iceland.
Ísafjarðarkirkja (Ísafjörður, Westfjords)
Ísafjarðarkirkja is a contemporary A-frame church in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. As one of the top 20 churches in Iceland, it stands out for its unique design and community role. Completed in 1995, the church’s steeply sloped roof resembles traditional Icelandic turf churches with a modern twist. Moreover, the large glass windows allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and serene atmosphere. In addition, the church actively engages with the community, hosting concerts and cultural events while serving as a key gathering place for the people of Ísafjörður.
North Iceland
Akureyrarkirkja (Akureyri)
Akureyrarkirkja is the dominant landmark of Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest urban area. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same architect behind Hallgrímskirkja, this church is among the top 20 churches in Iceland and was completed in 1940. Notably, its tall, symmetrical towers and staircase leading to the entrance make it an unmistakable presence in the cityscape. Inside, it houses a large pipe organ with 3,200 pipes, beautiful stained-glass windows depicting Icelandic Christian history, and a ship model hanging from the ceiling, a traditional symbol of protection for sailors in Icelandic churches.
Húsavíkurkirkja (Húsavík)
Húsavíkurkirkja is a charming wooden church, built in 1907 in a Scandinavian-inspired style. It features a steep gabled roof, a wooden tower, and intricate detailing, making it stand out against the town’s picturesque harbour. Often referred to as one of Iceland’s most beautiful wooden churches, it has a cosy, light-filled interior with a wooden pulpit and pews. The church is a key part of Húsavík’s cultural identity, complementing its reputation as the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
Víðimýrarkirkja (Skagafjörður)
Víðimýrarkirkja is one of Iceland’s best-preserved turf churches, located in Skagafjörður, North Iceland. Built in 1834, it follows the traditional Icelandic turf church design, with a wooden frame, thick turf walls, and a grass-covered roof for insulation. The church sits in a rural landscape, reflecting how early Icelanders adapted their buildings to the harsh climate. Inside, the simple wooden interior features a painted pulpit and an old altar, maintaining the atmosphere of a 19th-century Icelandic church. Though no longer an active parish church, it remains an important cultural landmark and a prime example of Iceland’s historical church architecture.
Hólar Cathedral (Hóladómkirkja) (Hólar í Hjaltadal)
Hólar Cathedral is one of Iceland’s most historically significant churches, standing at Hólar í Hjaltadal, a religious and educational centre since 1106. The current red sandstone cathedral, completed in 1763, is the oldest stone church in Iceland still in use. It was built on the site of earlier churches from medieval times when Hólar was one of Iceland’s two bishoprics, along with Skálholt. The church contains an ancient baptismal font, medieval relics, and the tomb of Bishop Jón Arason, the last Catholic bishop of Iceland, who was executed in 1550.
East Iceland
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja (Seyðisfjörður)
Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, often called “The Blue Church,” is one of Iceland’s most photogenic churches, famous for its pastel blue exterior and setting at the end of a rainbow-painted street. Originally built in 1894 in a different location, it was relocated to Seyðisfjörður in 1920 and has since become a symbol of the town’s artistic and cultural spirit. The church hosts concerts, art events, and community gatherings, reflecting the town’s vibrant atmosphere. The interior features a light-filled, wooden design with a classical organ and an elegant altar.
Geirsstaðakirkja Turf Church (Eiðar)
Geirsstaðakirkja is a reconstructed turf church located near Eiðar in East Iceland. As one of the top 20 churches in Iceland, it stands out for its historical significance and traditional design. Built between 1999 and 2001, it is a replica of a 10th-century Viking-era church that once stood in the area. Notably, it was constructed using traditional methods, featuring turf walls, a wooden frame, and a grass-covered roof, offering insight into medieval Icelandic architecture. Inside, visitors can see a simple wooden altar and seating, which clearly reflect the modest design of early Christian worship spaces in Iceland. Furthermore, the church is situated in a serene rural landscape, providing a glimpse into the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Stöðvarfjörður Church (Stöðvarfjörður)
Stöðvarfjörður Church is a charming wooden church located in the small village of Stöðvarfjörður, nestled within the Eastfjords of Iceland. Built in 1890, it showcases traditional Icelandic church architecture with its white-painted exterior and red roof, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape. The church has historically served as a central gathering place for the local community, hosting various ceremonies and events. Its serene setting, framed by dramatic fjord scenery, makes it a picturesque spot for visitors exploring the Eastfjords
South Iceland
Skálholt Cathedral (Skálholt)
Skálholt was once one of Iceland’s most important religious, cultural, and political centres. From 1056 to 1785, it was the seat of one of Iceland’s two bishoprics (the other being Hólar in the north). The current Skálholt Cathedral (Skálholtsdómkirkja), consecrated in 1963, is the 10th church built on this historic site, replacing earlier wooden structures that had deteriorated over the centuries. Inside, the church contains medieval relics, including a stone sarcophagus believed to hold the remains of Bishop Páll Jónsson from the 12th century. The site is also home to archaeological ruins of older churches, a medieval school, and the tombs of several notable bishops, including Jón Arason, Iceland’s last Catholic bishop before the Reformation.
Víkurkirkja (Vík)
Víkurkirkja is one of the most photographed churches in Iceland, perched on a hilltop overlooking the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Built in 1932, the church features a traditional Icelandic design, with a white exterior and red roof, starkly contrasting the surrounding black sand landscape. As one of the top 20 churches in Iceland, the church offers panoramic views of the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the region’s volcanic activity, Víkurkirkja is considered the main evacuation point in case of an eruption from Katla, the subglacial volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull.
Strandarkirkja (Selvogur)
Strandarkirkja, often called the “Miracle Church,” is a historic wooden church located in the coastal area of Selvogur in South Iceland. Historically, it dates back to the 12th century and has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure standing since 1888. According to local legend, sailors caught in a storm prayed for safe passage and vowed to build a church upon their rescue. Eventually, after safely reaching the shore, they fulfilled their promise by constructing Strandarkirkja. Over time, it has become a pilgrimage site where people seek blessings and miracles. Furthermore, the church’s remote seaside location offers visitors a serene and contemplative atmosphere, reflecting its enduring spiritual significance.
Other Noteworthy Churches
Árbæjarkirkja (Reykjavík, at Árbæjarsafn Open Air Museum)
Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavík preserves Silfurstaðakirkja, a traditional turf church. Built in 1842 in Silfrastaðir, North Iceland, it was later relocated to the museum to protect Iceland’s turf church heritage. The church is an excellent example of 19th-century Icelandic church architecture, featuring thick turf walls, a wooden interior, and a simple altar. Turf churches were common in rural Iceland for centuries, offering insulation and protection against harsh weather. Today, the church is an essential cultural and historical exhibit showcasing Iceland’s ecclesiastical history and architectural traditions.
Stafkirkjan (Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar)
Stafkirkjan is a stunning Norwegian-style stave church on Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). This church was gifted to Iceland by Norway in 2000 to commemorate 1,000 years of Christianity in Iceland. The design is based on Norway’s traditional Viking-era stave churches, with a wooden frame, intricate carvings, and steeply pitched roofs. The church stands near Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973, forcing the island’s evacuation. Today, Stafkirkjan serves as a historical and cultural landmark. Its unique history and striking design make it a standout among the top 20 churches in Iceland.
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