Is there an entry fee to Tjarnarkirkja?

As a small, historic church, Tjarnarkirkja typically does not have an entry fee for visitors. However, donations for its upkeep may be welcome.

Is parking available at Tjarnarkirkja?

Yes, visitors can usually find parking nearby the church, often a small designated area or roadside space, requiring a short walk to reach the entrance.

Can I take photos inside Tjarnarkirkja?

Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. For interior photography, it's always respectful to check for any posted signs or ask if there are services taking place.

When is the best time to visit Tjarnarkirkja?

The best time to visit is during daylight hours, especially in the late morning to afternoon when the light is good for viewing the church's architectural details and the surrounding valley. Summer (May-September) offers the most pleasant weather for exploring.

Is Tjarnarkirkja wheelchair accessible?

The church has steps leading to its main entrance and is built on a raised stone foundation, which may limit wheelchair accessibility. The grounds around the church are grassy and uneven in places.

Iceland/north-iceland

Tjarnarkirkja

Historic, light blue timber church nestled in North Iceland's Svarfaðardalur valley, a serene cultural gem.

At a Glance

Visit time

30-45 minutes

Best season

Daylight hours, particularly late morning to afternoon for good light

Access

Accessible via paved roads in Svarfaðardalur. Parking is likely available nearby with a short walk to the church.

GPS

65.9287, -18.5689

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About

About Tjarnarkirkja

Historic, light blue timber church nestled in North Iceland's Svarfaðardalur valley, a serene cultural gem.

Experience a piece of Icelandic history and admire the serene beauty of this protected timber church in a stunning valley.

Photos

Photo Gallery

Background

History & Background

Tjarnarkirkja has a long and storied history as a significant church and former parsonage in Svarfaðardalur. It served as a prestssetur (parsonage) until 1917, after which the parish merged with Vallaprestakalli. The parsonage was then moved to Dalvík in 1967. Earlier, from 1859, it also functioned as an out-church to Urðum and Upsum after their parsonage was dissolved. The church's construction featured Jón Stefánsson from Dalvík as the master builder, and it has undergone several notable changes throughout the centuries. Significant alterations include the addition of a vaulted ceiling shortly before the turn of the 20th century and the removal of the choir loft in 1925. Perhaps the most extraordinary event in its past occurred on September 20, 1900. A powerful southwest gale dislodged the church from its foundation, shifting it considerably. Remarkably, a subsequent strong north gale later righted it and moved it back onto its original base, a testament to both the unpredictable and powerful forces of Icelandic nature. Recognizing its cultural and architectural importance, Tjarnarkirkja was officially protected as a heritage site on January 1, 1990. It stands today as a tangible link to Iceland's religious past, reflecting the nation's conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD and the enduring spiritual life of its communities.

Tjarnarkirkja, a captivating timber church, is gracefully situated in Svarfaðardalur, a scenic valley in North Iceland, within the Dalvíkurbyggð municipality. This protected structure, distinguished by its light blue wooden siding, bright white trim, and charming yellow accents around its windows and entrance, offers a picturesque sight against the backdrop of verdant hills and distant snow-dusted mountains. Its dark green corrugated roof and the simple white cross adorning its main gable contribute to its classic Icelandic ecclesiastical aesthetic. Historically, Tjarnarkirkja served as a parsonage (prestssetur) until 1917, a role that underscored its importance to the local community for centuries. The master builder, Jón Stefánsson from Dalvík, oversaw its construction, though the church has seen several modifications over time. A vaulted ceiling was added shortly before 1900, and the choir loft was later removed in 1925. One of the most remarkable events in its history occurred on September 20, 1900, when a severe southwest gale actually shifted the church off its foundation. Miraculously, a subsequent strong north wind later repositioned it back onto its original base, a testament to both the power of Icelandic weather and the church's enduring spirit. Tjarnarkirkja was officially protected on January 1, 1990, recognizing its significant role in Iceland's rich religious and architectural heritage. Visitors can appreciate its serene atmosphere, the detailed craftsmanship, and the profound sense of history that permeates this tranquil site. It stands as a beautiful example of traditional Icelandic church architecture and a reminder of the country's deep-rooted Christian traditions, established democratically at Alþingi in 1000 AD.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Perched gracefully on a gentle rise in Svarfaðardalur, Tjarnarkirkja immediately captivates with its distinctive pale blue timber siding and crisp white details, accented by cheerful yellow around its windows and doors. The dark green corrugated roof and a simple white cross atop its gable complete a picture of quiet devotion amidst a dramatic landscape of rolling green and distant snow-capped mountains. This protected church is more than just a beautiful facade; it carries centuries of stories within its sturdy timber walls. Once a significant parsonage, it witnessed the ebb and flow of local life, from the democratic adoption of Christianity in Iceland around 1000 AD to its own remarkable resilience against the elements. Imagine the community gathering here, finding solace and strength, much like the church itself found its way back onto its foundation after a powerful storm in 1900. Tjarnarkirkja stands as a testament to faith, community, and the enduring spirit of Iceland.

💡 Did You Know?

Did you know that in 1900, a strong southwest wind actually shifted Tjarnarkirkja off its foundation, only for a subsequent north wind to move it back into place?

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Böggvisstaðir

Böggvisstaðir is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Svarfdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Brimnesá

Brimnesá is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Svarfdæla saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Háls

Háls: A strategic pass or neck of land in saga lore.

icelandic saga

Hofsá

Hofsá is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Valla-Ljóts saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

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