Laugardælakirkja

Background

History & Background

The site of Laugardælakirkja has a long history of religious significance, with earlier Catholic churches in Laugardælar dedicated to God, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Agatha. The current modern structure, a distinctive concrete church spanning 300 square meters, was designed by Bjarni Pálsson, a building official from Selfoss known for also designing Selfosskirkja. Its construction was overseen by master builder Sigfús Kristinsson, resulting in a contemporary design featuring a prominent steeple, a large front gable window, and red entrance doors, as seen in its striking appearance. This church, belonging to the Hraungerðisprestakall, serves the local community with its pipe organ and seating for 70. However, Laugardælakirkja gained international notoriety in 2008 when it became the quiet burial site of Bobby Fischer. The former world chess champion, who had been granted Icelandic citizenship, chose this serene location for his final rest, a private ceremony that brought global attention to this otherwise unassuming Icelandic parish church.

Laugardælakirkja serves the Laugardælir area near Selfoss. The modern church stands within a cemetery that became internationally known after chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer was buried there in 2008. The grave is a separate point of interest within an active churchyard; visitors should keep the site quiet and respect services and private ceremonies.