Þingeyrakirkja Church
About Þingeyrakirkja Church
Þingeyrakirkja is a 19th-century stone church at Þingeyrar in Húnaþing, North Iceland, standing on open farmland between the lakes Hóp and Húnavatn. It is one of the few stone churches in the country, and the site around it has been important since the saga age.
Farmer and Althing member Ásgeir Einarsson had the church built and hired Sverrir Runólfsson, one of the best stonemasons of his day, to raise the walls. In the winter of 1864–1865 the stone was hauled on sleds pulled by oxen about 8 kilometers across frozen Lake Hóp. The church was consecrated on September 9, 1877.
Inside, the ceiling is painted deep blue with gold stars, and painted figures of Christ and the apostles line the gallery. The oldest treasure is a 15th-century English alabaster altarpiece, and the six-sided pulpit with its sounding board dates from the late 17th century, as does the baptismal font.
Þingeyrar itself was a regional assembly site mentioned in the sagas, and a large circular earthwork beside the church is believed to be an old judgment ring. Iceland's first monastery was founded here in 1133 and stood until the Reformation. Next to the church, the Klausturstofa visitor center has an exhibition on the site's history, along with coffee and restrooms.
Þingeyrakirkja is on Route 721, about 30 minutes by car from Blönduós and a short detour off the Ring Road. The church and visitor center are open in the summer months, and guided visits can be arranged by calling ahead. Plan on about an hour to see the church, the exhibition and the view over the lakes.
Good to know
Where is Þingeyrakirkja?
Þingeyrakirkja stands at Þingeyrar in Húnaþing, North Iceland, between the lakes Hóp and Húnavatn. It is on Route 721, about 30 minutes by car from Blönduós.
When was Þingeyrakirkja built?
Stone for the church was hauled across frozen Lake Hóp in the winter of 1864–1865, and the church was consecrated on September 9, 1877. Ásgeir Einarsson paid for the building, and stonemason Sverrir Runólfsson built the walls.
Is Þingeyrakirkja open to visitors?
Yes, the church and its Klausturstofa visitor center are open in the summer months. Outside summer, call the church to arrange a visit.
What is inside Þingeyrakirkja?
The church has a 15th-century English alabaster altarpiece, a late 17th-century pulpit and baptismal font, and a blue ceiling painted with gold stars. Painted figures of the apostles stand along the gallery.
What is the history of Þingeyrar?
Þingeyrar was a regional assembly site in saga times and a powerful estate for centuries. Iceland's first monastery was founded there in 1133.
Is there a café at Þingeyrakirkja?
The Klausturstofa visitor center next to the church sells coffee and has restrooms. It also hosts an exhibition on the history of the church and the site.
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