Is there an entry fee to visit Árbæjarkirkja?

No, there is typically no entry fee to visit the exterior of Árbæjarkirkja. If the church is open for viewing the interior, it is usually also free, but donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep.

Is parking available at Árbæjarkirkja?

Yes, there is usually ample parking available on-site or nearby, as the church is located in a rural area. Please park respectfully and do not block any access roads.

Is Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum wheelchair accessible?

The exterior grounds around the church are generally accessible, but the entrance to the church itself involves steps, as seen in the image, which may limit wheelchair access to the interior.

When is the best time to visit Árbæjarkirkja?

The best time to visit is during the summer months (May to September) when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscape is lush and green. Daylight hours are longer, offering more time to explore.

Can I take photos inside and outside the church?

Photography is generally permitted for personal use both outside and inside the church, provided you are respectful of the sacred space and any ongoing services. Always be mindful of other visitors.

Iceland/Things to Do/Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum

Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum

Protected 1887 timber church on Árbæjarvegur near Hella.

At a Glance

Visit time

30-45 minutes

Best Season

Summer (May-September) for best weather and access to surrounding nature. Daytime for good light.

Getting There

Accessible by paved road. Parking available on-site.

GPS

64.1157, -21.8000

Plan Trip Navigate

About

About Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum

Protected 1887 timber church on Árbæjarvegur near Hella.

Experience a slice of Iceland's spiritual past and admire the unique architecture of this 1887 church.

Tours Near Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum

DT 322 Private Superjeep South Coast & Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Sights

Superjeep · 8 hours

From 264,500 ISKView tour

South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach Tour

BusTravel Iceland · 10 hours

From 15,990 ISKView tour

South Coast Waterfalls, Black Beach and Glacier Adventure | Small Group Day Tour

Nicetravel · 11 hours

From 17,900 ISKView tour

DT 402 Private Monster Truck South Coast & Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Sights

Superjeep · 8 hours

From 423,200 ISKView tour

Photos

Gallery

Background

History & Background

Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum is a historic church site, serving as both a farm (Árbær) and a place of worship in the Holtum region for centuries. The current church, distintively clad in white corrugated iron with a striking red roof and a steeple proudly displaying '1887', was built in that year, replacing earlier structures. This site has long been a spiritual focal point, reflecting Iceland's deep-rooted Christian heritage, which formally began with the democratic decision at Alþingi in 1000 AD. The church is renowned for its valuable religious artifacts. Among these are a silver chalice and paten, alongside an impressive altar painting from 1852, attributed to Þorstein Guðmundsson frá Hlíð, which vividly portrays Jesus on the cross. Perhaps most remarkable are the two historic bells housed in the tower; one dates back to 1600 and the other to 1741, each bearing inscriptions that tell a silent story of the past. In its Catholic origins, Árbæjarkirkja was consecrated to Mary Mother of God and John the Baptist, highlighting its ancient spiritual significance. Beyond the church itself, the surrounding landscape is rich in history: the nearby Árbær farm once hosted a power station for local communities, and several protected man-made caves are found in the vicinity, including one just west of the farm. This combination of natural beauty and profound historical depth makes Árbæjarkirkja a truly significant Icelandic landmark.

Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum is a corrugated-clad timber church built in 1887, probably by Hjörtur Oddsson of Eystri-Kirkjubær. The church contains an altarpiece from 1852, a silver chalice and paten from 1856 and bells dated 1600 and 1741. It remains a religious and heritage site, so visitors should respect services, the cemetery and any limits on interior access.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

As you approach Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum, its crisp white corrugated iron facade and vibrant red roof emerge from the green Icelandic landscape, a striking beacon under the often dramatic sky. Built in 1887, the church whispers tales of generations who have sought solace and community within its walls. Imagine the farmers from the nearby Árbær farm, walking across these very fields to worship, their lives intertwined with the rhythm of the Ytri-Rangá river flowing nearby. Step closer, and the date '1887' etched onto the steeple serves as a proud testament to its enduring presence. Inside, ancient treasures await, including a 1600 bell and an altar painting from 1852 depicting Jesus on the cross, connecting visitors to a profound spiritual legacy. This isn't just a building; it's a living piece of Icelandic history, silently observing the passage of time in this serene corner of the world.

Did You Know?

Did you know Árbæjarkirkja houses two ancient bells, one from 1600 and another from 1741, ringing echoes of centuries past from its distinctive steeple?

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Elliðavatn

Elliðavatn is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Kjalnesinga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Gufunes

Gufunes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Korpúlfsstaðir

Korpúlfsstaðir is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Kjalnesinga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

Man-made Caves

Just west of the Árbær farm and church, a protected man-made cave can be explored, with several others nearby. These caves offer a unique glimpse into past human habitation and ingenuity in the region.

Discover ancient, mysterious underground dwellings carved by early settlers.

Árbæjarfoss Waterfall

Located on the Ytri-Rangá river near the Árbær farm, Árbæjarfoss is a charming waterfall, perfect for a peaceful natural detour. It provides a beautiful backdrop to the historical church site.

Enjoy the serene beauty of a local waterfall, a short walk from the church.

Historic Power Station Site

The Árbær farm, adjacent to the church, once housed a power station that supplied electricity to nearby communities. While not a visible structure today, its historical significance highlights the farm's role in local development.

Learn about the early industrial history of the region and its self-sufficiency.

Help