Víðimýrarkirkja Church

A stunning old turf church named Vimrarkirkja Church, hidden away near Skagafjörur in North Iceland, is considered one of the most beautiful historical sites in Iceland. This turf church, according to Kristján Eldjárn, is one of the most clear-cut and magnificent vestiges of old Icelandic architecture.

Vimrarkirkja Church, near Skagafjörur, north Iceland, is possibly one of Iceland's most beautiful churches. The church has a grass roof, black timber exterior, and a brilliant green door with red trim, just like the Viking dwellings before it. The church was constructed in 1834, and the bells were cast in 1630. In 1220, a powerful Chieftain named Snorri Sturluson built a fortification where the cathedral now stands, adding to the attraction and history of the location, according to an Icelandic saga. The turf on top of the church is replaced regularly, but the timber structure is still the same as it was in 1834.

Men on one side (south) of the aisle and women on the other side of the aisle may be seen within the church following the Reformation in 1550. (north). There were plans to demolish this lovely turf chapel and replace it with a concrete structure, but Matthas órarson, Director of Iceland's National Museum, battled to keep it standing. The National Museum of Iceland has owned this lovely church since 1936, and it is part of the museum's Historic Buildings Collection.

Location: GGQH+GVP, GGQH+FF, Varmahlíð, Iceland