Church in Víðimýri

The Church in Víðimýri is a turf building standing about 4 meters tall with thick peat walls supported by wooden gables at each end. The structure exemplifies how Iceland's builders used peat for both its insulating properties and local availability.

Built in 1834 by carpenter Jón Samsonarson, this church continues a religious tradition at the site reaching back to Iceland's conversion to Christianity. The continuity of worship across centuries demonstrates how the community maintained spiritual roots in this remote landscape.

The interior follows post-Reformation seating traditions, with men's benches on the south side and women's on the north side. This arrangement reflects religious practices that shaped how the community gathered for worship over generations.

The site is relatively accessible but visitors should expect basic conditions typical of a historic rural location with limited modern facilities. Weather conditions change dramatically by season, so planning your visit according to the Icelandic climate is important for comfort.

The interior holds a Danish altarpiece from 1616 depicting the Last Supper, making it one of the oldest artworks within the building. This piece connects Iceland's faith with broader Scandinavian artistic traditions in an unexpected way.

Location: Sveitarfélagið Skagafjörður

Inception: 1834

Height: 4.28 m

Made from material: peat

GPS coordinates: 65.53879,-19.47040

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:43