Hafnarfjarðarkirkja

Hafnarfjarðarkirkja is one of the most important historical landmarks in Hafnarfjörður and has played a central role in the town’s religious and cultural life for more than a century. The church was consecrated on 20 December 1914, marking a significant milestone in the development of the growing town.

Before Hafnarfjörður had its own church, local residents belonged to the parish at Garðar on Álftanes. As Hafnarfjörður gained town status in 1908, momentum grew for the construction of a dedicated church within the town itself. In fact, the idea of building a church in the fjord had been discussed as early as the mid-19th century, reflecting the community’s long-standing desire for its own place of worship.

The architect Rögnvaldur Ólafsson was commissioned to design the church, and his plans were submitted in February 1909. According to the design, the building was constructed of reinforced concrete and designed to seat around 500 people, which at the time represented roughly one third of the town’s population. The chosen location was a prominent site near Strandgata, in land overseen by the local district commissioner.

Construction of the church foundations began in the autumn of 1913, and the building was completed during Advent in 1914. The master builder was Guðni Þorláksson, whose contribution to the project is remembered with particular poignancy, as he passed away from pneumonia just as the construction was completed. His coffin was brought into the church on Þorláksmessa, shortly before the building’s consecration.

The church was consecrated by Bishop Þórhallur Bjarnason on 20 December 1914. Today, Hafnarfjarðarkirkja stands as a powerful symbol of the town’s history and identity, closely connected to the development of Hafnarfjörður and its community. It remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark in the heart of the town.