Churches In Iceland
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (the National Church or Þjóðkirkjan) is the largest and state-supported church, with most Icelanders registered as members, although actual attendance is low and many are non-religious. There are other Christian denominations like the Catholic Church and independent Lutheran Free Churches, plus a growing number of people practicing Norse paganism (Ásatrú) or identifying as non-religious.
There is a conservative Lutheran church known as "Játningarbundin Evangelísk-Lútersk kirkja," or the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church in English. It is associated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Key Points:
HELLNAR CHURCH is a charming, traditional Lutheran church built in 1945, featuring classic Icelandic architecture with white walls and a red roof, part of the national Þjóðkirkjan Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland denomination, nestled in the scenic, small village of Hellnar, a historic fishing village, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its stunning coastal views and proximity to Snæfellsjökull National Park.
The "BLACK CHURCH", usually referring to Búðakirkja, isn't a separate denomination but a specific iconic Lutheran church (part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland).
The Black Church was first established as a turf chapel at Búðirm, built in 1703, as the settlement needed a place of worship. Iceland's turf chapels (or churches) are historic buildings with timber frames, stone walls, and turf-covered roofs, built using traditional methods for insulation against harsh climates. See example of turf chapel by Shubhika Bharathwaj. The chapel was later demolished, and the current wooden church was built in 1848. It is painted black with pitch, a traditional method to shield wooden buildings and boats from the severe Icelandic elements, much like a ship's hull. It sits in the Búðir hamlet on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by lava fields, and is a popular spot for photography and weddings. The church still holds items from the original 1700s chapel, including its gate knocker.
The VIK CHURCH, (Vík í Mýrdal Church) belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (Þjóðkirkjan). The church itself is a classic example of Icelandic rural architecture, featuring a white body with a red roof, standing out in the landscape.
The iconic Víkurkirkja (Vik Church) in Vík, was built between 1931 and 1934, serving as a crucial community landmark and designated as a safe haven during eruptions from the nearby Katla volcano due to its elevated position overlooking the town and black sand beaches. It features a simple yet sturdy design, common in Icelandic rural churches, with a distinctive red roof.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (the National Church or Þjóðkirkjan) is the largest and state-supported church, with most Icelanders registered as members, although actual attendance is low and many are non-religious. There are other Christian denominations like the Catholic Church and independent Lutheran Free Churches, plus a growing number of people practicing Norse paganism (Ásatrú) or identifying as non-religious.
There is a conservative Lutheran church known as "Játningarbundin Evangelísk-Lútersk kirkja," or the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church in English. It is associated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Key Points:
- Dominant Church: The Lutheran Church of Iceland is the national church and holds a majority of registered members (around 80%), a tradition from the Reformation.
- Religious Diversity: Iceland is constitutionally religiously free, supporting various faiths like Catholicism, Buddhism, Islam, and the revival of Norse traditions (Ásatrú).
- Secular Trends: Despite high registration, Iceland is one of the most irreligious countries, with many people registered in the Lutheran church but not practicing actively.
- Other Christian Groups: You'll find Catholic churches (often serving immigrant communities) and independent Lutheran groups, like the Free Church in Reykjavík.
HELLNAR CHURCH is a charming, traditional Lutheran church built in 1945, featuring classic Icelandic architecture with white walls and a red roof, part of the national Þjóðkirkjan Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland denomination, nestled in the scenic, small village of Hellnar, a historic fishing village, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its stunning coastal views and proximity to Snæfellsjökull National Park.
The "BLACK CHURCH", usually referring to Búðakirkja, isn't a separate denomination but a specific iconic Lutheran church (part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland).
The Black Church was first established as a turf chapel at Búðirm, built in 1703, as the settlement needed a place of worship. Iceland's turf chapels (or churches) are historic buildings with timber frames, stone walls, and turf-covered roofs, built using traditional methods for insulation against harsh climates. See example of turf chapel by Shubhika Bharathwaj. The chapel was later demolished, and the current wooden church was built in 1848. It is painted black with pitch, a traditional method to shield wooden buildings and boats from the severe Icelandic elements, much like a ship's hull. It sits in the Búðir hamlet on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by lava fields, and is a popular spot for photography and weddings. The church still holds items from the original 1700s chapel, including its gate knocker.
The VIK CHURCH, (Vík í Mýrdal Church) belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (Þjóðkirkjan). The church itself is a classic example of Icelandic rural architecture, featuring a white body with a red roof, standing out in the landscape.
The iconic Víkurkirkja (Vik Church) in Vík, was built between 1931 and 1934, serving as a crucial community landmark and designated as a safe haven during eruptions from the nearby Katla volcano due to its elevated position overlooking the town and black sand beaches. It features a simple yet sturdy design, common in Icelandic rural churches, with a distinctive red roof.
© David D. Dolton