Kirkjuhvamms Church

Q: Hvar er Kirkjuhvammskirkja?

Kirkjuhvammskirkja er á Hvammstanga á Norðurlandi.

Q: Er Kirkjuhvammskirkja í þéttbýli?

Nei, hún er staðsett utan þéttbýlis.

Q: Er Kirkjuhvammskirkja hluti af þjóðkirkjunni?

Já, hún tilheyrir þjóðkirkjunni.

Q: Er Kirkjuhvammskirkja opin almenningi við sérstök tilefni?

Já, hún er opin almenningi við helgihald og viðburði.

Churches of Iceland

RegionNorth Iceland

Built1882

Construction started1880

Architect / designerBjörn Jóhannsson and Stefán Jónsson

Building materialTimber

Roof materialCorrugated iron

Dimensions8.92 × 5.73 m

TowerYes

Protected statusProtected since 1990

Church site since1318

Kirkjuhvammskirkja is a historic wooden church located in the churchyard above Hvammstangi in Northwest Iceland. The church was built in 1882 and is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the area.

For many decades, it served as the main parish church of Kirkjuhvammur. In 1957, it was retired from regular church service following the consecration of Hvammstangi Church. Afterwards, the building was transferred to the National Museum of Iceland and is now protected as a listed cultural monument.

Constructed entirely from timber, the church reflects the traditional rural Icelandic church architecture of the late 19th century. Its modest design and peaceful setting make it an important example of ecclesiastical heritage from that period.

In 1997, Kirkjuhvammskirkja was reconsecrated following extensive restoration work, ensuring the preservation of the building for future generations. Today, the church is occasionally used for special ceremonies and cultural events.

Kirkjuhvammskirkja stands as a quiet reminder of Iceland’s rural church history and the central role such buildings once played in community life across the countryside.

Source: mbl.is
Photo: Jón Ívar