Þykkvabæjarklausturkirkja

Background

History & Background

The history of Þykkvabæjarklausturkirkja is deeply intertwined with the monastic life that once flourished at this location. Þykkvabær í Veri was transformed into Þykkvabæjarklaustur monastery in 1168, quickly gaining renown as “one of the most influential monasteries in the Catholic tradition, both domestically and internationally.” This period marked a significant era for religious and cultural development in Iceland. The current church building was erected and consecrated in 1864, long after the monastic era. It is constructed from timber, notably hand-processed from driftwood collected from the monastery's own shores, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its builders. The church's roof is cross-gabled, featuring a tall, rectangular tower that adds to its distinctive silhouette. Architecturally, the church is clad in corrugated iron over its timber frame, resting on a foundation of stone and concrete. Each long side of the church features three windows with central mullions and three-pane frames, with a slightly smaller window adorning the front gable above the main doors. Reflecting its historical and architectural value, the church was protected in 1990 under the age provisions of national heritage laws, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Þykkvabæjarklausturkirkja stands at the site where an Augustinian monastery was founded in 1168. The present church was built and consecrated in 1864 and preserves the continuing religious use of the locality after the medieval monastery closed. The church and the broader monastery-site attraction are related but distinct records: this page describes the surviving church building. Visitors should respect services, cemetery areas and current access.