Iceland’s churches are more than just places of worship – they’re striking landmarks that blend architecture, culture, and nature. From sleek city silhouettes to rustic rural chapels, each one reflects a unique part of Iceland’s story.
On our travels around the island, my husband and I visited each of the ten churches listed below. Whether reached by winding coastal roads or nestled within iconic towns, these sacred spaces offered more than just shelter – they gave us moments of reflection, architectural wonder, and often, stunning photography opportunities.
If you’re a fan of history, a seeker of design, or simply love capturing beautiful scenes with your camera, these churches belong on your Iceland itinerary.
They are presented in the order we visited them during our clockwise road trip around the island.
If you are considering a road trip around Iceland, read my 11 Tips for Driving in Iceland.
Reykholt is a village steeped in history. It is known as the home of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval writer, scholar, and politician whose works remain central to Icelandic literature and Norse mythology. Today, two churches represent the village’s religious legacy: the charming older church and a modern one built beside it.
The older church and cemetery are really worth visiting. Make sure you head inside the older church and climb the stairs for a view of its interior.
Visiting Reykholt offers more than just beautiful churches – it’s a destination that combines literary heritage, Icelandic history, and architectural contrast in one small but culturally rich setting
Visit Budakirkja Website | Tourism Info – West Iceland | Related Post – 9 Must Visit Sites on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
With its deep black exterior standing in bold contrast to the soft green moss and lava fields surrounding it, Búðakirkja is one of Iceland’s most visually iconic churches. Nestled on the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it has become a favourite stop for photographers, couples eloping, and anyone craving that perfect minimalist Iceland shot.
The church you see today was rebuilt in 1987 in the original style of the 19th-century structure that once stood on this windswept lava plain. There’s a haunting beauty to it – the isolation, the vast skies, and the simplicity of its design all come together in a scene that feels otherworldly.
Having seen countless photos of Búðakirkja online before our trip, finally seeing it in person was one of those pinch-me travel moments. It is even more atmospheric in real life, especially if you visit on a moody weather day when the clouds roll low, and the wind howls off the sea.
While it’s a small building, its presence is anything but. Spend time walking around the grounds, take photos from every angle, and pause to appreciate how architecture and nature coexist powerfully here.
Tourism Info – Visit Westfjords | Related Post – Guide to Westfjords Iceland: Your Ultimate Adventure
Reaching Rauðasandur Church is a journey in itself. Tucked away in the remote Westfjords, the drive involves navigating dramatic switchback roads – the kind that makes you grip the steering wheel a little tighter but rewards you with unforgettable views.
When you arrive, the scene is breathtaking. The church, painted black with white trim, sits quietly near Rauðasandur beach – a rare golden-sand stretch that sharply contrasts with the deep tones of the building. With the sea on one side and towering cliffs on the other, it feels as though the church was placed there for contemplation and solitude.
Despite its modest size, Rauðasandur Church has a powerful presence. Its isolation, dramatic setting, and stark design create a peaceful, almost cinematic atmosphere. You may find yourself lingering longer than expected, simply taking in the quiet and the scenery.
For those who make the effort to get here, this is one of Iceland’s true hidden gems – raw, remote, and utterly unforgettable.
Set in the quiet and historic village of Hólar in Skagafjörður, Hólar Cathedral (Hólakirkja) is one of the most significant and oldest stone churches in Iceland. Built from red sandstone in the 18th century, its rich colour and sturdy design immediately set it apart from the white and wooden churches you’ll find elsewhere in the country.
Hólar was once the seat of the northern bishopric, and its religious importance dates back nearly 900 years. Today, it’s a peaceful place to explore, blending ecclesiastical history and rural tranquility.
Make sure to step inside the cathedral to see its simple yet graceful interior. The atmosphere is serene, and the craftsmanship in the wooden furnishings and pulpit is impressive. Outside, do not miss the freestanding bell tower – the only one in Iceland – which adds a unique architectural detail to the grounds.
The surrounding area is quiet and beautiful, perfect for a reflective stroll. Visiting Hólar feels like stepping back in time – a place where Iceland’s religious past still lingers.
Perched high above the town of Akureyri, Akureyrarkirkja commands attention with its striking presence and dramatic staircase approach. This Lutheran church is the architectural centrepiece of northern Iceland’s unofficial capital and offers both beauty and a sense of arrival as you enter the city.
Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson – the same visionary behind Reykjavik’s Hallgrímskirkja – the church features a similar expressionist style with tall, vertical lines that echo Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. Inside, the design is clean and elegant, with a stunning organ and vivid stained-glass windows that depict Icelandic saints and biblical scenes.
Be sure to take a moment to walk the grounds and appreciate the view from the church steps, which overlook the Eyjafjörður fjord and the town below. The interior is serene, and if you time it right, you might hear the organ in use – a powerful acoustic experience in this otherwise peaceful space.
Akureyrarkirkja is more than just a northern twin to Hallgrímskirkja – it has a character all its own and is well worth the climb.
This charming church sits atop a hill overlooking the town of Vík and its famous black basalt beach. With its red roof and white walls, Vík í Mýrdal Church stands in striking contrast to the dark volcanic landscape – especially when backed by brooding clouds or golden-hour light.
The church is often featured in photographs with the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the background, making it one of Iceland’s most iconic postcard views. Although the building itself is modest, its location offers some of the best panoramic views in the south of Iceland.
Inside, the church is simple but peaceful, and there’s a small cemetery at the rear that adds to the site’s quiet charm. If you visit, take a moment to walk around the grounds – even in windy or rainy weather, the perspective from up here is worth it.
One detail to note: while the church and its surroundings are picturesque, the bitumen car park around the church detracts from the overall setting. That said, it’s still absolutely worth a stop, especially if you’re exploring the southern coast or passing through Vík.
Blink and you may just miss this beautiful church.
Just a short drive from Vík, Reyniskirkja is one of those places you could easily miss – but absolutely should not. Tucked away on the road that leads toward Reynisfjara’s famous black beach, this small white church with a red roof stands quietly by itself.
What makes Reyniskirkja special is its unassuming charm and peaceful setting. Unlike more visited sites, you’ll likely have this place to yourself. Its weathered exterior and humble design offer a glimpse into the simplicity of rural Icelandic church life.
As you turn off the main Ring Road, keep your eyes on the left – the church appears suddenly and is easy to overlook. There’s a small gravel car park nearby, so it’s easy to stop and explore. Be sure to walk through the surrounding cemetery, which adds an extra sense of history and reverence to the site.
Reyniskirkja may not be on every itinerary, but it’s a rewarding stop for those drawn to quieter, more authentic experiences.
NOTE: You can visit and walk around the site any time of the year, but the church and turf houses are only open from 1 June to 30 August each year.
Keldur is home to one of Iceland’s oldest turf house settlements, and while the church is not a turf building itself, it fits seamlessly into this beautifully preserved historical site. Built in 1875, Keldur Church is a modest structure that complements the rugged charm of its surroundings.
The church stands quietly on the edge of the property, framed by grassy fields and distant mountains. Its simplicity reflects the practical architecture of the time – functional, humble, and designed to endure Iceland’s harsh climate.
After visiting the turf houses, which date back to the 12th century, the church provides a reflective counterpoint. It represents the spiritual life of the rural Icelandic communities that once thrived in these remote settings.
Make time to walk the grounds and appreciate how this small church, along with the ancient homes, helps preserve the story of Iceland’s early settlers. It is a peaceful, history-rich stop that offers both cultural depth and natural beauty.
Skálholt holds a unique place in Iceland’s history as one of its two ancient episcopal sees and the country’s first official religious centre. For over 700 years, it was Iceland’s spiritual and cultural heart, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the island’s ecclesiastical heritage.
The current church, completed in 1963, stands on the same site where churches have existed since the 11th century. Though the building is modern, it honours the long legacy of its predecessors through its design and curated displays inside.
Visitors should take the time to explore the small crypt beneath the church, which contains archaeological remains and items dating back centuries. Be sure to admire the striking stained-glass windows, which cast warm light across the otherwise simple interior. These thoughtful touches add richness to the experience and offer a quiet moment to reflect on the many generations that have worshipped here.
What makes this church especially interesting is the balance between old and new – a physical representation of Iceland’s layered past, preserved and presented with deep respect.
Visit Hallgrimskirkja Website | Tourism Info – Visit Reykjavík
Towering over Reykjavik’s skyline, Hallgrímskirkja is the most recognizable church in Iceland – and for good reason. Inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows, its soaring concrete columns make it a masterpiece of modern design.
Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same architect behind Akureyrarkirkja, the church took over 40 years to complete. Today, it serves as a Lutheran parish church and a major cultural landmark.
One of its standout features is the viewing tower, which offers panoramic views across the capital city and out to the sea and mountains beyond. For a small fee, you can take an elevator to the top – a must for photographers and first-time visitors alike.
Do not rush your visit. Take a moment to sit in one of the wooden pews and simply take in the grandeur around you – from the towering organ pipes to the sheer scale and simplicity of the interior. It is a space that encourages quiet reflection.
As the most visited church in the country, Hallgrímskirkja is more than a religious site – it’s a symbol of Icelandic identity and resilience.
Are Iceland’s churches open to the public?
Most churches are open during the day, especially in the summer months. Smaller rural churches may be locked, but you can still enjoy the outside architecture and views. Some churches (like Hallgrímskirkja and Skálholt) are almost always open to visitors.
Do you need to dress a certain way to visit churches?
You don’t need to dress formally, but it’s respectful to dress modestly when entering a church. If you’re just visiting the outside, everyday clothes are fine.
Is there an entrance fee to visit any of the churches?
Most churches are free to visit. A few, like Hallgrímskirkja, may charge a small fee to go up the tower.
Can you take photos inside the churches?
Yes, usually. Just ensure you’re respectful, especially if a service or ceremony occurs. Avoid using flash inside.
Are the roads to all churches easy to drive?
Most are along the Ring Road or nearby, but a few (like Rauðasandur Church) require driving on gravel roads with switchbacks. Always check road conditions, especially in the Westfjords or during winter months.
Our trip around Iceland was filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders, but the churches we visited gave our journey something extra – moments of quiet, beauty, and connection to the people who live in this incredible country. Each church, big or small, famous or hidden, added a special memory to our trip.
Don’t rush past these buildings if you’re thinking about an Iceland road trip. Pull over. Take a look. Walk around the grounds. Peek inside if the door’s open. These churches might just surprise you.
And who knows – they might end up being some of your favourite places in Iceland, too.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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