Heydalakirkja

Background

History & Background

Heydalakirkja boasts a rich, albeit challenging, history rooted deep in Icelandic tradition. The original church at Heydalir was dedicated to Saint Stephen under Catholic custom. Historically, two churches stood on this site. The older church, a wooden structure built in Heydalir in 1856, served the community for decades until a tragic fire on June 17, 1982, consumed it entirely. This devastating event resulted in the loss of significant artifacts, including the altar, pulpit, and two ancient bells, all considered valuable historical items. Interestingly, the old church had already been deconsecrated on July 13, 1975, and subsequently removed from the list of ancient monuments, making way for the new structure. The younger church, a concrete building, was consecrated on the same date, July 13, 1975. Its construction was a long process, spanning 18 years with various interruptions. The altar painting, dating back to 1865 and depicting the crucifixion by Danish painter Fiebig, is a notable feature within the current church, demonstrating a continuation of artistic heritage. The parish of Heydalir is also historically significant for having been home to Reverend Einar Sigurðsson (1538-1627), one of Iceland's most renowned poets. He left behind a vast body of printed and unprinted poetry, more than any other Icelander of his time, cementing the church's connection to Iceland's literary and spiritual heritage.

Heydalakirkja, a captivating white church with a distinctive red roof and steeple, stands proudly in the expansive, undulating landscape of East Iceland. This serene landmark, framed by a dramatic, often cloud-laden sky and distant snow-dusted mountains, offers visitors a profound connection to Iceland's rich cultural and religious heritage. The current concrete structure, consecrated on July 13, 1975, replaced an older wooden church built in 1856, which tragically succumbed to fire on June 17, 1982. This devastating event destroyed precious artifacts, including the altar, pulpit, and two ancient bells. Despite the loss, the community's dedication saw the new church slowly rise over 18 years of intermittent construction. Inside, visitors can admire the altar painting from 1865, depicting the crucifixion, a work by the Danish painter Fiebig. This painting is a notable feature within the current church, connecting it to a rich artistic tradition. The site is also historically significant as the parish of Reverend Einar Sigurðsson (1538-1627), one of Iceland's most prolific poets. A visit to Heydalakirkja is an opportunity to reflect on centuries of faith, resilience, and artistic expression, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Icelandic wilderness.