Welcome to Skálholt!
Skálholt is one of the nation's most important historical sites, but the place was the center of Icelandic national life from the middle of the 11th century to the end of the 18th century. Skálholtsdómkirkja is the tenth church that stands in the same place as the first church, but it was built shortly after the conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.
Visitors are welcome to come and learn about the history and enjoy the sanctity of the place. Skálholtskirkja is open every day from 9:00 - 18:00. Masses are usually on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and morning prayers at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays.
In the basement of the church there is an interesting museum where you can see the antiquities found during excavations in the 1960s. You can see the stone coffin of Bishop Pál Jónsson, who died in 1211, tombstones from various times and tunnels that were used to get between houses and the church since the 11th century. Þorláksbúð is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but the building is a replica of the cabin at Keldum and refers to the buildings that stood on this site since 1527.
Next to the church is an archaeological site where for centuries stood a small village of houses of various shapes and sizes. The excavation was carried out by the Icelandic Institute of Archeology and you can walk around the area and learn about various houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Guides can be booked for groups of 10+ for a small fee. The history of Skálholtsstaðar is reviewed and emphasis is placed on the historical figures and human life of the place throughout time. The church and its works of art are examined, the museum and tunnels under the church are visited, and the immediate surroundings are examined. The guided tour takes about 30 min. Book a guided tour by sending an email to: skalholt@skalholt.is
The guests of the place are served with care with good meals from the region and comfortable accommodation. Hotel Skálholt offers excellent facilities for courses, conferences, concerts, meetings and parties.
We look forward to seeing you in Skálholt.