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Víðimýrarkirkja
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Víðimýrarkirkja in Skagafjörður is widely regarded as one of the finest and most significant examples of traditional Icelandic turf church architecture. Built in 1834 by Jón Samsonarson, a member of the Icelandic parliament, the church replaced an older structure on a historic site mentioned as far back as the Sturlunga Saga. The design combines thick walls made of sod with an intricately crafted timber facade and a turf roof, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Of particular interest is the craftsmanship of the interior, which features a finely carved chancel screen and a pulpit that incorporates elements dating back to the 17th century. The church originally served as a private chapel for a prominent local estate and functioned as a religious hub for the district. In 1936, it was acquired by the National Museum of Iceland to permanently preserve this rare specimen of pre-industrial sacred architecture. Despite its modest scale, the church conveys a powerful sense of spirituality and showcases the masterful use of natural building materials in a resource-limited environment.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Náttúrugripasafn Skagafjarðar · Stephan G. Stephansson · Víðimýrarkirkja
- Nearby: Sauðárkrókur (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -6 | -5 | -2 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 4 | -1 | -4 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 85 | 88 | 81 | 74 | 62 | 87 | 92 | 114 | 110 | 104 | 103 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Visitors have the very unique opportunity to explore one of the finest, most beautifully preserved examples of traditional turf church architecture left in the entire country. While you can admire the incredibly pretty, grass-roofed exterior freely at any time, access to the meticulously crafted historical wooden interior often requires paying a modest admission fee.
Typical hours
The striking exterior of the church and its surrounding tranquil graveyard are generally accessible throughout the year during the usual daylight hours for your quiet contemplation. To step inside and view the historical interior, it is best to visit during the standard summer months, typically between June and August, when the site is normally officially open to tourists.
Photography
The vividly contrasting colors created by the dark tarred wood, the thick green turf roof, and the traditional bright white gables make for exceptionally compelling and classic architectural photographs. As always when photographing historically and religiously sensitive sites, ensure you maintain a highly respectful distance and always avoid using flash indoors if permitted inside.
Time needed
A thorough visit to this culturally significant site, taking the time to slowly appreciate the fascinating construction methods of the exterior and quietly observe the intricate interior artifacts, usually lasts around thirty to forty minutes. History enthusiasts captivated by ancient Icelandic craftsmanship may naturally choose to linger slightly longer on the peaceful grounds.
Combine with
This exceptionally well-preserved piece of cultural heritage is ideally combined with an exploratory journey through the expansive Skagafjörður region, an area widely celebrated for its profound historical significance and deep-rooted equestrian traditions. You can easily enrich your day by visiting the nearby Glaumbær folk museum for even more fascinating regional insights.
Getting there
The easy on the eye turf church is very conveniently located just a very short, effortless detour off the main Route 1 Ring Road in northern Iceland, making it remarkably accessible for road trippers. There is a clearly designated, moderately sized parking area available very close to the church, requiring only a brief and entirely flat walk to reach the historic entrance.
Insider tip
To fully appreciate the remarkable architectural authenticity and incredible craftsmanship of the site, take a few deliberate moments to closely examine the intricate woodwork around the main door and the ingenious way the turf blocks are perfectly layered to weather the harsh Icelandic climate. Always ensure you purchase a ticket if exploring inside during the peak summer season.
Geography
Facts
- The current church building was completed in 1834.
- The site has been under the protection of the National Museum since 1936.
- The church's altarpiece dates back to the year 1616.
- It is one of only six surviving turf churches in all of Iceland.
- Driftwood was used as a primary building material for the timber frame.
- The interior features traditional separate seating sections for men and women.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Víðimýrarkirkja (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was Víðimýrarkirkja built?
The current turf church was built in 1834 by Ásmundur Bjarnason.
What materials is the building made of?
The walls are made of turf and sod, while the internal structure is made of driftwood.
Is the church open to visitors?
Yes, it is open during the summer months, usually from 09:00 to 18:00, for a small fee.
Is there parking on site?
There is a small free parking lot for visitors right next to the church.
Where is Víðimýrarkirkja located?
It is located in the Skagafjörður region of northern Iceland, near Ring Road 1.
Víðimýrarkirkja: where is it located?
Víðimýrarkirkja is located in Iceland.
Víðimýrarkirkja: what is there to see?
Highlights include Náttúrugripasafn Skagafjarðar, Stephan G. Stephansson, Víðimýrarkirkja.
Víðimýrarkirkja: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Víðimýrarkirkja: why is it worth visiting?
Víðimýrarkirkja in Skagafjörður is widely regarded as one of the finest and most significant examples of traditional Icelandic turf church architecture.
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