冰岛最具特色的十大教堂

Iceland's state religion is Lutheranism, but compared to many countries where religious beliefs are deeply ingrained, Icelandic churches are less ceremonial and more approachable, friendly, and inclusive. Sometimes, the architectural and cultural significance of a church even surpasses its religious meaning, making Icelandic churches very welcoming to tourists. Encountering these distinctive buildings during a journey can be seen as exploring the church, or as the church witnessing the journey. Today, visiting and experiencing Iceland's various churches is more about enjoying oneself, enhancing aesthetic appreciation, returning to simplicity, rediscovering oneself, or even witnessing love and making vows of eternal commitment.

Where to explore these churches? Why not join Forest Cat Travel's 12-day romantic road trip around Iceland in the summer: Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula and 14-day in-depth road trip around Iceland in the summer: Ring Road 1 & Westfjord scenery? While traveling around the island, you can see all the classic scenery of Iceland and visit the unique churches in all directions!

Hallgrímsvall is the largest church in Iceland and the most prominent landmark in Reykjavík, the capital city , a true masterpiece of Icelandic architecture! It's a beautiful sight in the capital and a star on Icelandic postcards; most tourists visiting the capital make a pilgrimage here to take photos. Compared to the magnificent Hallgrímsvall, the other buildings in the capital are quite adorable in height. If you stroll through the streets of the capital, you can see the church's towers from almost every corner. It's not just a church or a building; it represents the faith and style of the Icelandic people.

Built in 1930, Hallgrímur Pétursson is named in honor of the famous Icelandic writer Hallgrímur Pétursson, a religious poet of the 17th century whose Passion Hymns hold a very high position in modern Icelandic literature. Even today, Icelanders still recite hymns from the Passion Hymns during Easter.

The cathedral was designed by the renowned architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed famous buildings such as the main building of the University of Iceland, the National Theatre of Iceland, and Akureyri Cathedral. The cathedral's grey and white exterior perfectly embodies the minimalist spirit of Scandinavia. Its organ-like structure differs from the ornate designs of many European churches, emphasizing simplicity and modernity while maintaining the solemnity and grandeur of traditional churches. According to the architect, the design was inspired by Iceland's natural landscape, incorporating elements such as glaciers, volcanoes, and lava flows. The overall exterior design is inspired by Iceland's unique hexagonal basalt columns. If you've visited attractions like Reynisfjara black sand beach or Svartifoss waterfall , you'll find the cathedral's shape remarkably familiar! The city winds blowing through the cathedral seem to be plucking an organ, creating beautiful music that brings peace and happiness to the people of the capital.

In front of the church stands a statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the father of Iceland's independence, a gift from the United States to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Iceland's founding. Behind the statue is a 73-meter-high tower; standing before the towering cathedral makes one feel incredibly small. Looking up at the central stained-glass window, one feels as if in a magnificent art palace. The interior of the church is spacious, simple, and bright. The hall houses a giant pipe organ composed of over 5,000 pipes, which is frequently used by musicians. The walls of the main hall are adorned with slender stained-glass windows; when sunlight streams in and illuminates the white walls, the entire main hall appears warm and sacred.

To fully appreciate the beauty of this iconic Icelandic building, you can take the elevator to the top of the tower (ticket required) and enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik from the palace's summit. In the distance lies Iceland's long coastline, while nearby are vibrant, colorful rooftops that brighten your mood. The charming and lively cityscape, combined with the expansive views of mountains, lakes, and sea, promises to create an unforgettable church visit experience!

The church frequently hosts various events. For example, from October to June, an organ concert is held on the first Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon; tickets can be purchased at the church shop or www.tix.is. During light festivals, various light artists project their works onto the church, draping this magnificent building in a fantastical, colorful cloak. Visiting in winter allows you to admire the church's ethereal beauty amidst the snow. If you enter the church on the hour, you might be lucky enough to hear the church playing music and enjoy a grand musical experience. Please note that entry is not permitted during weddings, religious ceremonies, or other events; only those attending the ceremony are allowed inside. Please maintain a respectful and reverent attitude.

Address: Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík

Telephone: +3545101000

Opening hours: Church 9:00-20:00, Tower 9:00-19:45 (subject to official website )

The Fríkirkjan Church is another hidden gem in Reykjavik, located in the heart of the city beside the beautiful Tjörnin lake, making it a fantastic choice for a city walk! Check out this Reykjavik City Walk guide to immerse yourself in the street life of Iceland!

The green spires contrast beautifully with the white walls, creating a building that is both refreshing and retro, with a distinctly Nordic style. This color scheme also evokes a sense of tranquility and easily stirs a longing for openness and freedom. However, the Freedom Church is not named for this; rather, it is because this church does not accept government funding and is independent of Iceland's state religion. Furthermore, from its inception, the Freedom Church was intended to serve ordinary people from all walks of life who migrated to Reykjavik, including workers, farmers, and fishermen. It is open to all races, classes, languages, and genders; inclusiveness is the greatest freedom!

Since the church is located beside Lake Tjörnin, having time to admire the tranquil lake view will bring you immense happiness. Even just strolling around here in a daze, the charming Nordic scenery will leave a lasting impression. The lake is home to many adorable animals, such as swans, ducks, and greylag geese, which roam in flocks, leisurely and carefree. In winter, Lake Tjörnin provides a stable water temperature, allowing these creatures to overwinter here. Visitors can get up close and personal with the waterbirds, bringing some bread to feed them and take photos, but please be careful to avoid falling into the water or being pecked by the animals, and remember to take care to remove your trash.

The Freedom Church is currently in use and hosts the Iceland Airwaves music festival annually , drawing large crowds. Many couples also choose to hold their wedding ceremonies there. Of course, the capital offers a great deal of freedom for exploration, with nearby attractions including the Parliament Building, City Hall, Nordic Palace of Culture, Ethnographic Museum, National Library, and University of Iceland, among other high-quality sites for visitors to choose from.

Address: Fríkirkjuvegur 5, 101 Reykjavík

Telephone: +3545527270

Besides these, if you're traveling to Iceland, Reykjavik offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. Before embarking on or concluding your island tour, consider watching the world-renowned Reykjavik Lava Show , experiencing the 4D movie "Flyover Iceland" in Reykjavik city center , or relaxing at the Sky Lagoon 's infinity pool and experiencing its unique seven-step therapy ( Sky Lagoon 7-Step Therapy Pure Experience Ticket ) – all excellent choices!

Kópavogskirkja Church, located on a hillside in the Kópavogur district of Iceland, was built between 1958 and 1962. Designed by the Icelandic Association of Master Architects, it is a modernist cathedral and the most magnificent building in the area. The church is entirely white, but its distinctive feature is its rounded lines and perfectly symmetrical design. While most churches in Iceland feature straight lines, Kópavogskirkja seems as if it were bent by God himself, with perfectly balanced angles, seamlessly blending solemnity and intimacy. The church interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, said to be the work of Icelandic master artist Gerdur Helgadotir, with elegant color schemes and exquisite design.

The church is currently only open during scheduled events and does not allow unauthorized entry. Unlike other churches, this one also accepts bookings from non-residents for weddings, making it very tourist-friendly, and the venue is large enough to accommodate many guests. The Kopavogür Art Museum is right next to the church, and can be visited together.

Kopavojl has a very long history. In Icelandic, the city means "Bay of Seal Pups." A major attraction is seeing seals along the coast. These chubby little creatures live here and are very cute. The city's emblem is even the outline of Kopavojl Cathedral with a reclining seal.

Address: 436P+WP8, Hamraborg, 200 Kópavogur

Telephone: +3545541898

The little red-roofed chapel that's been appearing in all sorts of magazines and promotional pictures—I've finally found you!

Víkurkirkja Church is one of Iceland's most famous churches. Despite its charming appearance, it's quite old, having been built between 1932 and 1934. The church's color scheme makes it seem like the town's own "Santa Claus," offering endless surprises and anticipation! From afar, the church's pristine white walls, pure and holy, contrast sharply with its vibrant red roof, exuding a serene beauty that reveals the vitality and hope of life. A closer look reveals the church's arched stained-glass windows, their curved lines softening the sharpness of the spires and adding a touch of cuteness and gentleness. Perched atop the highest point of Vík on Iceland's south coast , it's the heart of the town, surrounded by peaks, wildflowers, and idyllic countryside – a truly beautiful and tranquil setting. Who says a mountain breeze and panoramic sea views aren't idyllic? Compared to the low houses below, Víkurkirkja stands out strikingly. Beautiful and romantic, it seems like a divine presence atop the hill, witnessing the historical changes of this land and observing the birth, aging, sickness, and death of its inhabitants. A visit here offers a sense of peace and tranquility, a glimmer of light within the profound meaning of the church and faith. Additionally, it's a great spot for viewing the aurora borealis in winter.

The town of Vik, where the church is located, is not obscure. The word "vík" in the name comes from Old Norse and means "town." Many places in Iceland are related to Old Norse, such as Reykjavík and Húsavík . This is because a large number of Vikings migrated to Iceland in the 9th century, bringing with them not only changes in lifestyle but also some of their linguistic habits.

Vik is a famous tourist attraction on Iceland's Ring Road, about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik, a drive of about 2.5 hours. It is a must-stop for many South Coast tour groups. If you are interested, you can also participate in the Vik | Icelandic Horse Riding Experience , where you can have a close interaction with the clever and adorable Icelandic horses on Vik's black sand beach.

Related Itinerary: Iceland's South Coast Day Trip: Explore the magnificent South Coast waterfalls and visit Vik, Iceland's southernmost town.

Driving is a great way to get here, and our summer road trip package includes a stop in this town. While the town has a small population, it's well-equipped with accommodations, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and hot spring pools. There's even a wool factory available for a visit, making it a perfect spot for a break. Nearby are many popular South Coast attractions, such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss . It's only a 10-minute drive from the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach – don't miss the stunning black sand and fantastical basalt rock formations – perfect for capturing breathtaking, otherworldly photos! In the middle of the sea stand massive black rocks, steeped in mythology, adding to the beach's mystique.

On a clear day, the scenery along the road is even more spectacular, with distant views of snow-capped glaciers such as Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Beneath the calm surface of these glaciers lie volcanoes with surging currents. Don't think volcanic eruptions are far off; Iceland's volcanic activity has been quite high in recent years. According to predictions, if a nearby volcano erupts, triggering glacial floods and other disasters, the Vik church might be the only building in the town that survives. In the event of volcanic activity, residents have a maximum of 25 minutes to evacuate, and the church serves as an emergency evacuation point.

Tips: Due to its high elevation, it is often windy in front of the church, so we recommend wearing windproof clothing.

Address: Sunnubraut 7, 870 Vík

The Church of Varnes (also known as the Rock Church) is located on the Reykjanes peninsula , just a five-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. Built between 1886 and 1887, the church has a dark gray exterior constructed of stone. Stone churches are relatively rare in Iceland compared to wooden ones, and the weather-resistant nature of the stone has allowed the church to remain remarkably well-preserved, standing as an unchanging witness to time. The interior decoration, similar to the previously mentioned thatched-roof churches, is made from driftwood washed ashore.

Besides its stone exterior, the most distinctive feature of this church is its tower. The exquisitely miniature tower is meticulously painted in vibrant colors, creating a striking contrast with the main church's dark gray hue. Its perfectly proportioned size embellishes the entire building. The pointed cross soars high, as if carrying good news from afar to the world through this small tower. This has earned the church another name: the "Colorful Church"—doesn't the name itself evoke a sense of cheerfulness? The tower's four sides feature small round windows, which, combined with the colorful yellow, green, and red walls, make it particularly eye-catching. Next to the church is a cemetery. We all know Hallgrímur Pétursson, named after the famous Icelandic poet, who served as his pastor here. His only daughter is buried here. Currently, the church is not open to the public, but visitors can take photos with the beautiful exterior.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, located on Iceland's southwest coast, is renowned for its lava fields, volcanic landscapes, and active geological activity. If you travel here, besides visiting Varnes Church, a soak in the hot springs is highly recommended. The famous Blue Lagoon is situated on the peninsula, and Forest Cat Travel offers booking services for a relaxing Blue Lagoon experience . Why not experience the soothing, milky-blue waters? Of course, the Reykjanes Peninsula is also a fantastic location for travel photography. Forest Cat Travel offers one-day photoshoots and wedding photography services on the Reykjanes Peninsula; the magical peninsula scenery will add unique memories to your photos!

Address: Gardskagavegur, Sandgerdi, Reykjanes 245

The name Bláa kirkjan sounds lively and charming, and indeed, the church is located in an equally lively and charming place— Seyðisfjörður, a fjord town in eastern Iceland known as the "Daydreamer ." This secluded Icelandic town is surrounded by seven mountain peaks and is home to over 600 residents. The town is vibrant, with many colorful houses that evoke a unique Nordic style and a strong artistic atmosphere.

The Blue Church sits atop a beautiful town, its soft, pale blue hue resembling a fairytale castle, exuding both ethereal beauty and childlike charm. A long, rainbow-colored path leads to the church, hence its nickname, the "Rainbow Church." Walking along this vibrant rainbow path, who could resist letting loose and beaming with joy? It's as if stepping onto the rainbow evaporates all worries, leaving only happiness and delight—isn't this a real-life version of walking on a flower-lined path?

Every summer, the Blue Church opens to host various cultural and artistic events. For example, the unique and niche LungA Youth Arts Festival is often held here in mid-July, attracting many tourists and injecting new vitality into the town. If you visit Seyzisfie, besides attending the Blue Church Summer Music Festival, you can also enjoy the natural scenery, visit the local art centers, museums, cinemas, and more, and hope to encounter a charming story here.

The scenery of Iceland's East Fjords is also very charming. If you want a more in-depth tour, you can choose our summer self-drive packages of 8 days or more to visit the East Fjords.

Among them, self-drive packages of 11 days or more, such as the 11-day surprise self-drive tour around Iceland in summer: Eastfjords & whale watching , and the 12-day romantic self-drive tour around Iceland in summer: island tour & Snæfellsnes Peninsula , not only allow you to see all the beautiful scenery around the island, but also give you the opportunity to visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and you will have plenty of time to explore the capital city on your own.

Address: Bjólfsgata 10 710, 710 Seydisfjordur

Telephone: +3544703861

Akureyri, Iceland's "Northern Capital," also boasts an iconic church— Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja) ! Nestled against the mountainside overlooking the sea, Akureyri Church, like Hallgrímskirkja, was designed by the same architect and shares the basalt style, yet their exteriors are quite different. Akureyri Church is square in shape, employing entirely vertical lines for a clean and simple design. The two sides of the church resemble two towering towers, maximizing its imposing presence, while a large clock is embedded in the center, giving the overall architecture a solemn and serene feel.

这座教堂虽然庄严，但毫不乏味，甚至有非常别致的亮点——美丽的彩色玻璃窗。这些彩绘玻璃镶嵌在教堂内部的窗框里，讲述着圣经里的纷繁故事，美轮美奂，是非常优雅的艺术作品。据说这些彩色玻璃源自于英格兰西米德兰兹郡的考文垂大教堂，二战时为防止受到毁坏，曾被拆下保存，后来兜兜转转被阿克雷里教堂买下，它们才得以重见天日。

阿克雷里作为冰岛的第二大城市，吸引着大批游客，如果在城市里兜风，一定别忘记来和教堂合影。由于地势相对较高，游客可以在教堂可以远眺峡湾的风光和城市的风貌。当然阿克雷里还有很多其他项目值得探索游玩，比如出海观鲸观鸟，追极光，前往米湖（Lake Mývatn）、黛提瀑布（Dettifoss）欣赏北部风光等，可以参考我们的冰岛冬季环岛超值10日游：黄金圈 & 冰川徒步、冰岛夏季10天9夜深度环岛自驾：蓝湖温泉 & 斯奈山半岛等都会包含这些景点。

地址：við Eyrarlandsveg 600, 600 Akureyri

电话：+3544627700

Blönduóskirkja的官方名称叫做布伦迪欧斯教堂，有许多人将其称为“鲸鱼教堂”位于冰岛北部小镇布伦迪欧斯（Blönduós）上，建造于1982年，由建筑师Maggi Jónsson设计，是一座后现代主义建筑风格的教堂。据说最早的设计灵感来自于喷发的火山口与冰岛起伏的山峰，但由于造型很像俯身的鲸鱼，所以被称为鲸鱼教堂。在冰岛许许多多的教堂里，鲸鱼教堂绝对能以别致的设计和灵动的造型赢得一席之地。作为一座建筑，它的每一个立面很有艺术感。比如教堂的一面能看到浑圆饱满的穹顶向天空的方向延伸，就像是鲸鱼的头颅缓缓浮出水面，准备跃动。而另一面则能看到两个切割分明的棱角背靠而立，斜着的片墙很像鲸鱼划动的尾鳍，上缀有钟摆，既美观又实用。此外，教堂外部还有一面巨型十字架，笔直地立在地面上，视觉冲击力很强烈，成为鲸鱼教堂的一道风景，许多新人会选择在此拍摄婚礼照片。

和大部分圣洁的白色教堂不同，鲸鱼教堂整个外墙是黑灰色的，据说是使用玄武岩石建造，看上去有点像水泥幕墙，让人联想到冰岛的标志景点黑沙滩。不过这可一点不影响教堂的采光设计，在建筑的正面有巨大的玻璃门厅和玻璃窗，阳光能够大面积洒进教堂，为讲道的牧师提供良好的光源，根本不用开灯，同时防风防雨，隔绝寒冷。还有地面上的圆形的泡泡窗就像是鲸鱼的眼睛一般，同样也能够辅助主光源采光哦。

教堂目前对外开放，可以买票入内参观，内部空间很大可以同时容纳250人。晴天时在教堂内部可以更好的体会一步一光影、一步一变换的美丽哦，整体氛围温馨、静穆，游玩体验感非常良好！

除了来打卡鲸鱼教堂，游客还可以逛一逛小镇上的手工艺品博物馆、纺织博物馆、海冰博览中心，略略歇脚。如果喜欢小动物，还可以在布伦迪欧斯小镇体验骑冰岛马和观鸟活动哦。

森林猫旅行的冰岛夏季13天深度环岛自驾游：黄金圈 & 斯奈山半岛将带您把环岛风光一览而尽，欣赏冰岛西部沿途风光，参观布伦迪欧斯，让你有机会打卡这个独特的鲸鱼教堂！

地址：Hólabraut 15, 540 Blönduós

电话：+3544524710

冰岛西部的斯奈山半岛（Snæfellsnes）被誉为冰岛缩影，无数地质胜景令人目不暇接，令人惊喜的是这里同样拥有令人叹服的人文景点，比如安详美丽的渔村小镇，比如文化意味浓厚的各色博物馆，再比如……风格百变的布迪尔黑教堂！

古老的布迪尔黑教堂（Búdakirkja）是斯奈山半岛的标志性景点之一，位于布迪尔村（Búðir），它已经拥有数百年历史，可以追溯到1703年。虽然名为村落，但这里只有布迪尔教堂和布迪尔酒店，并无人定居，因此周围环境保持着较为原始的风貌。关于布迪尔教堂的选址，还有一个流传甚广的传说。据说有一男子原地转圈直至晕眩后，向天空连发三箭，第三支箭的落点就是教堂之点。

教堂整体是木制结构，极简的线条勾勒出建筑小巧的外形，除了窗户以外教堂通体纯黑，显得端庄又神秘，充满禁忌之美，让人好奇又无限神往。它静默地立在旷野之上，面朝冰川雪山，背靠大海，无需多余的色彩装点自身，因为身后旷野的四季之色就是它最美的调色背景板。不论哪个角度看去，掩映在草植之间的黑教堂都美得如同油画一般。今日许多情侣选择在黑教堂求婚，为自己求来相伴一生的不凡誓言，浪漫之语不必多说。这份以天地旷野、雪山沧海为见证的爱情回归自然、渴求本真，也许这才是爱情与婚礼最本质的模样吧。

除了爱情见证的加持，黑教堂本身的氛围和格调也非常多变。比如晴朗阳光下透露出静谧与安详，阴雨天气有些忧郁和暗黑，北极光下则梦幻又浪漫。这也许诠释了为何黑教堂一直是国内外摄影师镜头之下钟爱的对象。

如果您的行程时间允许，强烈推荐您来斯奈山半岛一游。除了黑教堂，还建议前往斯奈菲尔冰川（Snæfellsjökull）公园、教会山（Kirkjufell）、海豹沙滩（Ytri Tunga）、Djúpalónssandur黑沙滩等处观景。您可以通过我们的官网预订斯奈山半岛一日游：最美避世渔村阿尔纳斯塔皮、黑教堂、怪物海岸和斯奈山半岛一日游：探访斯奈菲尔冰川国家公园、教会山、海豹沙滩，带您一天内玩转整个雪山半岛！

如果景点难以抉择，同时希望游览冰岛其他景点，也可以考虑我们的环岛自驾游套餐，为你提供更便利优质的选择：

地址：Gardsbrun 6, Snæfellsbær, Vesturland

Grass-roofed churches are a distinctive type of church in Iceland, dating back to the 9th century. Located below the Arctic Circle, Iceland experiences cold, rainy, and windy conditions. To better survive in these harsh natural environments, Icelandic ancestors focused on building insulated houses. Limited by geography and climate, they lacked high-quality timber for construction, relying on timber sourced from Norway or driftwood brought in from the sea, combined with bricks and stones – a very difficult process. After completion, they covered the roofs with soil and planted grass, creating a turf covering the entire structure. They also incorporated closable skylights for ventilation. This design effectively protected against the cold and damp, and helped them cope with extreme weather. Grass-roofed buildings remained in use until the 1960s. These structures bear witness to Iceland's history and the ingenuity of its early inhabitants, possessing significant cultural and historical value.

Because the grass extends seamlessly from the roof slope to the ground, the entire church building is nestled among the surrounding lush greenery, appearing small and charming, somewhat like a hobbit's dwelling. Compared to modern churches, they lack the rigidity of reinforced concrete, instead exuding a fresh and peaceful atmosphere, infinitely close to nature, and full of pastoral charm. Grass-roofed churches are more common in northern Iceland, but can also be found in other regions. Here are a few famous grass-roofed churches in northern Iceland for you to choose from and visit.

First is Saurbæjarkirkja, built in the 19th century by the priest Einar Thorlacius. The church is located in Eyjafjörður (also known as the Island Fjord) in northern Iceland. The roof and stone walls on both sides are covered with turf, and the interior is wooden with cool black walls topped with a white cross. It is the largest thatched-roof church in Iceland and can accommodate 60 people. Saurbæjarkirkja is now owned by the National Museum and is listed as a national protected heritage site.

Grafarkirkja is located in the Skagafjörður region of northern Iceland. It is said to be the oldest thatched-roof church in Iceland, dating back to the 17th century. It has been renovated but is not open to the public.

Glaumbaer, also located in the Skargarfjord region, was renovated in 1947 and is now used as a museum to showcase Iceland's thatched-roof and log cabin architecture.

Víðimýrarkirkja is another thatched-roof church in the Skargarfjord region. Built in 1834, it was praised by a former Icelandic president as one of the most beautiful buildings in Iceland! After renovation, Víðimýrarkirkja is currently only open in the summer and has been converted into a museum.

Besides the aforementioned thatched-roof churches in northern Iceland, a three-day trip along Iceland's south coast—including the Golden Circle, black sand beaches, and blue ice caves —will include a visit to Hofskirkja, the youngest thatched-roof church on the south coast. Additionally, the south coast boasts Núpsstaðakirkja, the smallest thatched-roof church. The Árbæjarkirkja church in the capital, designed by the same architect as Víðimýrarkirkja, will also be a highlight of your trip.

After reading about the ten churches recommended in this article, is there one that you most long to visit? If you are having trouble deciding which to include in your itinerary, you can choose a self-driving package or a tour package for a more comprehensive and reasonable travel plan.

As a place of pilgrimage, a place to pray for good things to happen, a church doesn't necessarily need to be grand in scale or ornately decorated. Just like when a wedding is held in an Icelandic church , what is expected and promised is the purest emotion and the most genuine heart. Every brick, every tile, every blade of grass, every tree—returning to simplicity, witnessing the changing times between city and wilderness—that is the true beauty and meaning of a church.