If you’ve spent any time road-tripping through Iceland, chances are you’ve spotted a church or two… or twenty! Churches in Iceland are hard to miss.
Not necessarily because of their size, but because of their beautiful construction and incredible locations.
From tiny turf-roofed chapels to striking concrete giants, churches in Iceland are scattered all over the country.
Whether you’re religious or not, these buildings are worth a stop for their unique architecture, peaceful settings, and panoramic backdrops that often feel like they belong on a postcard!
In this post, we’re taking a look at some of Iceland’s most beautiful and interesting churches in the different regions of Iceland.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Religion in Iceland
- Churches in Iceland’s Capital Region
- Hvalsneskirkja Church in the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Churches in South Iceland
- East Iceland Churches
- North Iceland Churches
- Churches in Iceland’s Westfjörds
- Churches in West Iceland (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
- Iceland Guidebooks and Maps
Religion in Iceland
Before we dive into the best churches in Iceland, you might be wondering: just how religious are Icelanders these days?
Fun fact: Around 70% of Icelanders are officially registered as Christian, most of whom belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland.
Despite this, I’ve found that day-to-day, Iceland doesn’t feel very religious.
In fact, less than half the population actually identifies as religious these days.
Still, there are about 350 churches in Iceland. They’re tucked into hillsides, perched by the sea, or standing solo in wide-open landscapes.
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Now, let’s take a look at that list, shall we?
Churches in Reykjavík
You’ll find a number of churches in Reykjavík. But these are two of the most prominent ones.
Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrimskirkja) in Reykjavík
Not only is Hallgrímskirkja the biggest church in Iceland, towering over Reykjavík at 239 feet (73 meters), but you’ll also get the best view of the city from its tower.
The church’s architect drew inspiration from Icelandic nature, and the church columns look like the basalt columns at Svartifoss waterfall.
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Christ the King Cathedral
This neo-Gothic style cathedral is just a short walk from downtown Reykjavík and the only Catholic cathedral in Iceland.
You can expect a grey-colored exterior, beautiful stained-glass windows, and high-arched ceilings.
These striking details make it well worth a visit!
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Hvalsneskirkja Church in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Built in 1887, this black stone church in Hvalnes is only a 15-minute drive from Keflavík airport!
With stunning ocean views and a historic graveyard right next door, it’s definitely one of the most eye-catching churches in Iceland.
Churches in South Iceland
If it’s beautiful churches in Iceland you’re after, then South Iceland needs to be on your list of must-see places!
Church in Vík, Iceland
There is so much to love about this charming little town!
Not only do you have the incredible natural sights in the area, but the red-roofed church of Víkurkirkja is a total showstopper against the black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs of Iceland’s southern coast.
To capture postcard-perfect photographs, you need to visit this town!
Find out more about Vík below.👇
➡️ READ: Vík, Iceland: Your Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Most Charming Town
Stafkirkjan (Heimaey Stave Church)
What is a stave church, you ask?
It’s a medieval-style wooden church with steep roofs and a unique post-and-lintel construction. Built using vertical wooden posts called staves.
Stafkirkjan is an example of such a church in Iceland, and interestingly enough, this one was gifted to Iceland by Norway.
It’s a perfect stop when you’re exploring the island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands.
Þingvallakirkja (Thingvallakirkja)
Whether you’re touring the Golden Circle or taking a short detour from your Ring Road itinerary, Þingvellir National Park is known for its beautiful hiking trails and stunning photo spots. Make sure to include Þingvallakirkja while you’re there!
It is one of Iceland’s oldest churches. With a white-painted wooden exterior and green-blue shutters, it stands out beautifully against the natural surroundings.
Pro tip: This church is closed during winter except for when there are services.
East Iceland Churches
East Iceland might just be one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets.
From stunning fjords to quiet villages — and yes, some truly charming little churches — this region has a peaceful beauty that’s seriously easy to fall in love with! 😍
Bláa Kirkjan: A Rainbow Road Church
This quaint, pastel-blue church looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook!
Located at the end of the famous rainbow road in Seyðisfjörður, it’s one of the village’s most beloved landmarks.
It also hosts one of the most popular annual events in East Iceland, the Blue Church Summer Concert Series.
Here, talented musicians from around the country gather each summer to perform.
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➡️ READ: Towns in Iceland: 10 of the Best Villages That’ll Leave You Breathless
Hof Church
Hofskirkja in Öræfi County is the youngest turf church in Iceland and is located 12 miles southeast of Skaftafell National Park.
The surrounding cemetery with its mossy mounds and mountain views makes it a beautiful photo stop just off the Ring Road.
Learn everything you need to know about East Iceland here.👇
➡️ READ: East Iceland: Your Guide to 7 Unforgettable Sites in This Beautiful Region
North Iceland Churches
North Iceland might be known for its whale watching and epic waterfalls, but its churches are just as impressive. Expect old relics and hilltop cathedrals with sweeping views.
Grafarkirkja, The Oldest Turf Church in Iceland
While we might be used to quaint wooden chapels or huge concrete cathedrals, a turf church is quite different.
The roof is made of soil and grass, and the building seems to blend into the natural landscape.
It makes me think of the Hobbit houses in The Lord of the Rings!
Grafarkirkja is the oldest turf church in Iceland and is located in Northwest Iceland, just south of the village of Hofsós.
The wood on the church has baroque-style carvings and is thought to have been built in the 17th century.
To preserve it, it’s not open to the public for entry, but you can still capture some pretty cool pictures of the outside structure.
Húsavíkurkirkja: Húsavík Wooden Church
Húsavík has earned a reputation as one of the very best places for whale watching in Iceland,
But there’s more to this charming town than just whales.
Right in the heart of it, you’ll find Húsavíkurkirkja, a unique red and white wooden church that dates back to 1907.
At 85 feet (26 meters) tall, it’s a clearly visible and celebrated landmark of this little fishing village.
It totally radiates Wes Anderson film vibes!
Akureyrarkirkja – Akureyri Church, Iceland
You can’t miss this one – Akureyrarkirkja sits on a hilltop overlooking Iceland’s second largest town, Akureyri.
It was designed by the same architect behind Hallgrímskirkja and Christ the King Cathedral – so you’ll definitely notice those dramatic columns and clean lines! Inside, there are beautiful stained glass windows by the altar.
You’ll even find a model of a suspended ship inside!
There’s a long staircase leading up to the church, and when you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Akureyri.
Churches in Iceland’s Westfjörds
The Westfjörds are one of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic regions.
Tucked into this wild beauty are some truly unique and peaceful churches – often small, simple, and surrounded by incredible views.
Rauðasandur Church
Not far from the reddish sands of Rauðasandur, you’ll find a small black church with a red roof and stained-glass windows inside.
It’s surrounded by a quiet cemetery that blooms with yellow wildflowers in summer, and the ocean views create an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Sæbólskirkja
Way out in the Westfjörds, in the quiet Ingjaldssandur valley, you’ll find a little church steeped in history.
It’s been here since 1929, replacing an earlier building that was blown away in a huge storm (Icelandic weather doesn’t mess around!).
One of the most prominent features of this red and white church is a Celtic cross on it, with matching patterns carved into the pews.
Inside Sæbólskirkja, you’ll find details like a 17th-century chandelier and a ceramic baptismal bowl made by a well-known Icelandic artist.
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Recommended duration: 3-5 days
Recommended seasons: May-October
Churches in West Iceland (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is called the jewel of West Iceland for one simple reason: it doesn’t hold back when it comes to varied scenery. With views like these, any church standing here is guaranteed to steal the show!
Ingjaldshóll Church
This setting is about as dramatic as they come!
You’ve got a church, rolling hills, and oh, a glacier in the background.
I mean, seriously, it’s almost too much to take in!
This classic red and white church is one of the oldest concrete churches in the country and makes for some seriously impressive photo ops!
Just make sure that when visiting all these churches, you’re dressed well and prepared for Icelandic weather.
Because nothing cuts a visit short faster than cold fingers or wet socks.
(Speaking from experience! ✋)
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Búðakirkja – A Black Church in Iceland
Also known as the Búðir church because of where it’s located, this small black wooden church is one of Iceland’s most picturesque.
It’s especially striking when you see it contrasted with the white snow in winter.
Búðakirkja is popular for weddings, and I can see why – it’s absolutely stunning!
Iceland Guidebooks and Maps
Spotted a few churches in Iceland that made you go “wow, I NEED to see that in person“?
I totally know that feeling!
These churches are spread out across the country,
You’ll want to weave them into your road trip alongside waterfalls, hot springs, and other must-see spots (without backtracking or missing any hidden gems along the way).
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Like, what are the top things to see in each region? Or practical information like where the nearest gas stations, grocery stores, or restrooms are.
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(Totally unbiased opinion, of course! 😉)
Happy planning,
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