Skálholt cathedral

Skálholtsdómkirkja was consecrated in 1963 and is the tenth church that stands there in the same place. The first one was built shortly after the year 1000 when Icelanders converted to Christianity. Before the current parish church was built, significant archaeological research was carried out on the site under the direction of dr. Kristján Eldjárn who later became the president of Iceland. Among other things, the stone coffin of Bishop Páll Jónsson was found, which was buried in 1211 and is considered to be one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in Iceland's history.

In Skálholt Cathedral you can find some of the most remarkable works of art of the 20th century in Iceland; Gerður Helgadóttir's stained glass windows and Nína Tryggvadóttir's altarpiece as well as items from the church built by Bishop Brynjólfur Sveinsson in 1650.

The acoustics in Skálholtdómkirkja are considered unique, even on a global scale, and concerts are regularly held there. The highlight of the Skálholt's musical events are the Summer Concerts, which have been held in July every year since 1975.

Art & History

Gerðar Helgadóttir's windows

The stained glass windows of Skálholt Church are by the artist Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975) and refer to the history of the bishop's chair and the martyrdom of Christ. They are some of the most beautiful and valuable works of art that can be found in an Icelandic church.

Nína Tryggvadóttir's altarpiece

The altarpiece in Skálholt Church is by the artist Nína Tryggvadóttir (1913-1968). Nína's idea was that the altarpiece should represent a semi-airy image of Christ appearing as a kind of spirit in the Icelandic summer landscape. The artpiece is made of mosaic and was installed in 1966. The work is one of the most beautiful and valuable works of art that can be found in an Icelandic church.

Artifacts in Skálholtskirkja

Inside the church are artifacts from the 17th century. There is an altar, candelsticks and pulpit from the last cathedral, the altar of Bishop Sveinsson Brynjólf and the pulpit of master Jón Vídalín.

Architecture

The building master of the state, Hörður Bjarnason, is the architect of Skálholt Church, which is exceptionally elegant in its simplicity. In his version of Skálholt Church, Hörður had in mind Brynjólf's Church, crossed with transepts and aisles.

The museum in the basement of the church

The museum in the basement of the church contains various objects found during the archaeological excavations of 1954 - 58. Among them Páll Jónsson's stone coffin and an underground tunnel between the church and the medieval village.

The Booth of St Thorlak

The Booth of St Thorlak is believed to have been built after a church fire during the time of Bishop Ögmundur Pálsson. As far as is known, Ögmundur was the last Catholic bishop and in his time mass was held in this house while a new church was being built.

Construction on the church

Skálholtskirkja has received a complete overhaul in the years 2022 and 2023. The entire exterior and interior of the church was renovated during this time.

The church bells

In the tower of Skálholt Church there are five church bells that were given to the church during the construction period, one from Denmark, two from Sweden, one from Finland and one from Norway.

The library in the church tower

In the tower of Skálholt Church, there is a remarkable and good collection of the oldest prints in Iceland. The museum contains copies of most of the books that were printed in Iceland from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

Gifts to the church

The church has received many valuable gifts from the Nordic countries. Church bells, organs, stained glass windows and baptismal fonts are examples of gifts to the church.