Is there an entry fee to visit Reykholtskirkja – eldri?

There is typically no entry fee to visit the exterior of Reykholtskirkja – eldri or its surrounding graveyard. Access to the interior may depend on opening hours or special events.

Is Reykholtskirkja – eldri wheelchair accessible?

The graveyard paths leading to the church are generally accessible, but the church itself has stairs leading to the main entrance, which may limit wheelchair access to the interior.

Is parking available at Reykholtskirkja – eldri?

Yes, parking is usually available nearby in the village of Reykholt, often within a short walking distance of the church and its graveyard.

Can visitors go inside Reykholtskirkja – eldri?

Access to the interior of the church may be limited to specific opening hours, services, or by special arrangement. It is often locked when not in use, but the exterior and graveyard are always accessible.

What is the best time of year to visit Reykholtskirkja – eldri?

Reykholtskirkja – eldri can be visited all year round. Summer months (May-September) offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, making for a pleasant visit, while winter provides a unique, often snowy, atmosphere.

Iceland/west-iceland

Reykholtskirkja - eldri

Discover Reykholtskirkja – eldri, the charming older church in historic Reykholt, West Iceland, nestled within a serene graveyard.

At a Glance

Visit time

30-45 minutes

Best season

Daylight hours, particularly morning or late afternoon for photography.

Access

Paved road, easy access.

GPS

64.6648, -21.2929

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About

About Reykholtskirkja - eldri

Discover Reykholtskirkja – eldri, the charming older church in historic Reykholt, West Iceland, nestled within a serene graveyard.

Experience a tranquil piece of Icelandic history in a picturesque village setting.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

Reykholtskirkja – eldri holds a significant place in the history of Reykholt, a village in West Iceland renowned for its historical importance. It stands as the older of two churches in the area, a testament to the long-standing spiritual life of the community. The village of Reykholt itself is famous as the home of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century Icelandic historian, poet, and chieftain, whose works are invaluable sources for early Scandinavian history and mythology. While specific construction dates for 'eldri' (the older) are not provided in the research, its designation implies a deep rootedness in the village's past. Churches like this often served not only as places of worship but also as central community hubs, witnessing generations of local life, from baptisms and weddings to funerals. The surrounding graveyard, visible in the image, further underscores its historical role as a final resting place for many who lived in this area. Visiting Reykholtskirkja – eldri offers a tangible link to this rich heritage, allowing visitors to ponder the lives and stories of those who worshipped and were laid to rest here, all within a setting deeply connected to one of Iceland's most influential historical figures.

Reykholtskirkja – eldri, the older of two churches in the historically significant village of Reykholt in West Iceland, offers visitors a profound connection to the region's rich past. This charming wooden church, painted in a subtle grey with contrasting white window frames, doors, and roof, exudes a timeless elegance. Its distinctive features include a small, elegant belfry topped with a cross, and a welcoming front entrance with white stairs. The church is set within a well-maintained graveyard, where an array of gravestones, some ancient and others more recent, create a serene atmosphere. A small, ornate black fence encloses a particular plot, adding to the historical intrigue. The surrounding landscape, with gentle green hills and scattered trees under an often dramatic Icelandic sky, enhances the sense of peace and natural beauty. Reykholtskirkja – eldri serves as a quiet monument to the community's enduring faith and the village's historical importance, particularly its association with Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland's most famous historical figures. While exploring the village of Reykholt, a visit to this church offers a unique opportunity to step back in time, appreciate traditional Icelandic architecture, and reflect amidst the tranquil surroundings of its ancient burial ground. It's an ideal stop for those seeking to delve deeper into Iceland's cultural landscape beyond its famed natural wonders.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Step into the quiet embrace of Reykholtskirkja – eldri, and feel centuries of Icelandic history whisper around you. On a day like this, with the sky a soft grey, the church's pale wooden walls and crisp white trim stand out against the verdant green of the graveyard. Each gravestone, weathered by time and the elements, tells an untold story, a silent testament to lives lived in this historically significant village. The small belfry, topped with a simple cross, points towards the heavens, a beacon of faith across generations. As you walk the path leading to its modest white entrance, flanked by sturdy stairs, imagine the countless footsteps that have traced this very route. It’s a place not just of worship, but of memory, a tranquil sanctuary where the past feels remarkably present, inviting contemplation and a deep connection to Iceland's enduring heritage.

💡 Did You Know?

Reykholtskirkja – eldri is the older of two churches in Reykholt, a village renowned for its historical ties to Snorri Sturluson, the famous Icelandic chieftain and scholar.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Breiðabólstaður

Breiðabólstaður: A place of spiritual and historical importance, linked to faith and ancient traditions.

icelandic saga

Nyrðri Reykjadalur (nú Reykholtsdalur)

Nyrðri Reykjadalur (nú Reykholtsdalur) 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.

icelandic saga

Rauðsgil

Rauðsgil 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

Reykir efri (Kópareykir í Reykholtsdal)

Reykir efri (Kópareykir í Reykholtsdal) 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.

Explore

Hidden Gems Nearby

✦ The Ornate Fenced Plot

Notice the small, intricately designed black iron fence enclosing a particular burial plot within the graveyard. It suggests a story of a prominent family or individual, adding a layer of mystery to the serene setting.

It's a unique visual detail that sparks curiosity about local history.

✦ Architectural Details of the Church

Take a moment to appreciate the fine craftsmanship of the church's wooden siding, the decorative white trim around the windows and doors, and the elegant belfry. These details showcase traditional Icelandic church architecture.

Highlights the aesthetic and cultural value of the building itself.

✦ Snorrastofa Cultural Centre (nearby)

Just a short distance from the church, Snorrastofa is a cultural and medieval research center dedicated to Snorri Sturluson, who lived in Reykholt. It offers deeper insights into the village's historical significance.

Connects the church visit to the broader historical context of Reykholt.

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