Reyniskirkja Church
About Reyniskirkja Church
Reyniskirkja is a small country church at the Reynir farm in Mýrdalur, South Iceland, on Road 215 about 1.5 km before the parking area at Reynisfjara black sand beach. It stands on the west side of Reynisfjall, the ridge that separates the beach from the village of Vík, with green pastures around it and the mountain rising behind.
The church is tied to one of the best-known tales in Icelandic folklore. In the story, the farmer at Reynir had to build a new church before fall but could find no carpenter, until a stranger offered to do the work for the price of the farmer's son, unless the farmer could learn the builder's name. Just before the job was finished, the farmer overheard a woman inside a nearby rock singing a lullaby that gave the name away.
Most visitors stop for a few minutes on the way to or from Reynisfjara, since it's a 2-minute drive from the beach parking and about 10 minutes from Vík. The church is still in use, so keep noise down and give space to any service or funeral taking place.
Good to know
Where is Reyniskirkja?
Reyniskirkja is at the Reynir farm on Road 215 in Mýrdalur, South Iceland, about 1.5 km before the Reynisfjara beach parking. It sits on the west side of Reynisfjall, opposite the village of Vík.
What is the legend of Reyniskirkja?
According to folklore, a stranger built the church at Reynir for the farmer in exchange for his son, unless the farmer guessed the builder's name. The farmer overheard the name in a lullaby sung inside a rock and saved his son.
How far is Reyniskirkja from Reynisfjara?
The church is about 1.5 km from the Reynisfjara parking area, a 2-minute drive along Road 215. It is easy to stop on the way to or from the beach.
How far is Reyniskirkja from Vík?
Reyniskirkja is about 10 minutes by car from Vík, following the Ring Road west and then Road 215 toward Reynisfjara.
Can you visit Reyniskirkja?
Yes. Visitors can stop and see the church from outside. It is still used for services, so be respectful if one is taking place.
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