Hríseyjarkirkja

Background

History & Background

The present Hríseyjarkirkja was consecrated on 26 August 1928 and designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson. Hrísey became a separate parish at the same time. Earlier churches had existed on the island, but for a long period residents attended church on the mainland.

Hríseyjarkirkja stands in the village on Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður. The present stone church was consecrated on 26 August 1928, the same year Hrísey became a separate parish. The building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, one of the most influential Icelandic architects of the 20th century. Women in the local women's association played an important role in promoting the construction of the church. The building restored a permanent church presence to the island after a long period in which Hrísey residents belonged to a parish on the mainland. Hríseyjarkirkja remains an active church and is also used for concerts and community events. Because Hrísey is best explored on foot, the church fits naturally into a walk through the village before continuing onto the island's marked trails and birdwatching areas.