Ingjaldshólskirkja

Background

History & Background

Ingjaldshóll has a long history as a church and assembly site. A church is recorded here from the Middle Ages, with earlier religious use also associated with the location. The present building dates from 1903 and is regarded as the oldest concrete church in Iceland. The site reflects the role rural churches played not only in worship but also in the civic and social life of Icelandic communities.

Ingjaldshólskirkja is a historic church on Ingjaldshóll between Hellissandur and Rif. Written and local historical sources place religious use of the site back into the medieval period, and the hill also functioned as an important gathering place for the surrounding community. The present church was built in 1903. Its concrete construction makes it an important building in Icelandic church architecture, while its elevated position gives broad views over the surrounding countryside and toward the outer Snæfellsnes coast. The church and cemetery are best appreciated as a living heritage site rather than simply a scenic photo stop.