Sacred & Stunning: Iceland’s Churches And The Spirit Of The Land

When it comes to churches in Iceland, there is an intriguing story behind them! The Lutheran Church of Iceland records the Christian faith of all Icelanders at the time of their birth. A frequent rite of passage into adulthood, confirmation is generally performed around the age of fourteen. Despite claims that 85 per cent of Icelanders are Christians, the country ranks sixth among the world's most atheist nations! On the tiny island, you can find more than 350 churches in Iceland! Some may assume that Icelanders are extremely devout because of their large number, given the small population of the country (330,000), but surprisingly, the churches in Iceland are more known for their architectural marvels and old-world charm than their devout practices! 

All Icelandic churches end in kirkja, the Icelandic word for church! Even though few Icelanders regularly attend services, they revere churches for their historical significance and often express profound admiration for their aesthetic value. And if you are visiting this country, make sure to miss out on these beautiful churches in Iceland! 

Blaa Kirkjan

This popular tourist destination houses one of the most stunning churches in Iceland, both inside and outside. Located in the picturesque fishing village of Seyðisfjörður in eastern Iceland, this church is affectionately called Bláa kirkjan, meaning Blue Church, due to its pastel exterior hue.

In a separate area but was relocated to its current spot in the middle of Seyðisfjörður around 1920. A fire in 1989 destroyed the church and its brand-new pipe organ. It was this chapel that welcomed guests and served as a stage for the LungA arts festival, which takes place every July. A series of concerts known as the Blue Church Summer Concerts are also put on by the church every summer.

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Hallgrimskirkja Church

During your Icelandic journey, you must see Hallgrímskirkja Church, the second tallest edifice in Iceland, standing at 74.5 metres! It is one of the biggest churches in Iceland, stands prominently, and serves as a landmark for the capital. If we were to rank the most renowned churches in Iceland, it would be one of them. Basalt rock formations are well-known all around Iceland, and this building takes its design cues from them. Gudjón Samuelsson, an Icelandic architect, came up with this remarkable plan. 

The striking beauty of Iceland's natural scenery is an inspiration to Samuelsson. Various volcanic rock formations, mountains, and glaciers may be observed in his artwork. Samuelsson was commissioned in 1937 to create the spectacular Hallgrímskirkja Church. His daring designs were heavily influenced by the massive basalt columns seen at Svartifoss Waterfall in South Iceland.

Black Church 

A favourite photographic subject because to its hue, dramatic placement, and minimalism is the black church at Búðir, which is located on the southern edge of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Prior to its abandonment at the turn of the nineteenth century, Búðir was a thriving fishing community and commercial harbour. The only remnant of the previous Búðir settlement is the picturesque church, which has stood on the same spot since 1701. 

The church is perfectly situated between the ocean and a green lava field. The story claims that in order to find the spot for the church, someone had to spin a guy around in a circle until he became confused, and then they had him shoot three arrows and where the last arrow fell was to be the site of the church.

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Grafarkirkja Church

Founded in the 17th century, Grafarkirkja is the longest continuously used turf church in all of Iceland. Visiting this church will give you a glimpse into the architectural style of Icelandic churches from bygone eras. A large pasture in northern Iceland is where you'll find the church. The entry to this church is one of the most unique experiences! A tiny road with a gate will be your next right as you head towards the church. Once you've driven inside the zone, you'll need to open the gate and close it again. Although it is closed to the public, the fact that this is one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland makes it an enchanting sight even from a distance.

Hvalsneskirkja Church

Hvalsneskirkja Church is constructed from stone, in contrast to the wood used by most Icelandic churches. Driftwood, a common building material in Iceland, decorates the inside, despite the outside being stone. The island's sparse tree cover meant that the Icelanders had to be creative with the wood they got from the sea. Constructed between 1886 and 1887, Hvalsneskirkja Church is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a short drive from Keflavík International Airport. An essential stop on every Icelandic vacation, this well-preserved church sits amid a verdant landscape and an old cemetery.