Hvalsneskirkja
About Hvalsneskirkja
Hvalsneskirkja stands almost alone on the flat, windy coast south of Sandgerði, a dark stone church with a bright red and yellow bell tower. For a building this small, Hvalsneskirkja carries a lot of Icelandic history, and it's one of the closest sights to Keflavík Airport.
The church was built from cut stone quarried on the nearby Miðnes heath and consecrated on Christmas Day 1887. Ketill Ketilsson, the farmer and ship owner who owned the Hvalsnes estate, paid for it. It's still a working parish church, with services held in the same rough-walled nave.
The main story inside belongs to Hallgrímur Pétursson, Iceland's best-known hymn writer, who was the priest at Hvalsnes from 1644 to 1651. His daughter Steinunn died here in 1649, aged four, and her gravestone is kept in the church. Tradition says he carved it himself, and the stone was found in 1964 after years of use in the path to the church.
Hvalsnes sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 15 minutes by car from Keflavík Airport and roughly 50 minutes from Reykjavík. There's parking beside the churchyard, and the stop fits easily into a first or last day near the airport. Visiting hours aren't posted, so plan on the exterior and the churchyard, and treat a look inside as a bonus.
Good to know
When was Hvalsneskirkja built?
The stone church was built in 1886 and 1887 and consecrated on Christmas Day 1887. The local landowner Ketill Ketilsson paid for it.
What is the gravestone in Hvalsnes church?
It marks Steinunn, the daughter of the hymn writer Hallgrímur Pétursson, who died in 1649 at age four. Tradition says her father carved it, and it was rediscovered in 1964.
Was Hallgrímur Pétursson a priest at Hvalsnes?
Yes. He served as the priest at Hvalsnes from 1644 to 1651 before moving to Saurbær in Hvalfjörður. Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík is named after him.
How far is Hvalsneskirkja from Keflavík Airport?
About 15 minutes by car, south of Sandgerði on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Reykjavík is roughly 50 minutes away.
Can you go inside Hvalsneskirkja?
It is a working parish church, so you can attend a service. Visiting hours outside services are not posted, and the door may be locked.
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