Hofskirkja Church is one of Iceland’s most remarkable turf churches and a unique cultural landmark located in the Öræfi region of Southeast Iceland. The earliest written record of a church at Hof dates back to the year 1343, when it served as a private farm church dedicated to Saint Clement.
The present church was built between 1883 and 1885 by master carpenter Páll Pálsson from Hörgsdalur. It features a timber frame construction with stone-built side walls and a roof covered with stone slabs and turf — a rare building technique among historic Icelandic churches.
The wooden gables include six-pane windows, while a smaller two-pane window is found on the western end. Hofskirkja measures approximately 9.8 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, consisting of seven structural bays.
By the mid-20th century the building had fallen into serious disrepair. An agreement was therefore made between the National Museum of Iceland and the local parish, granting ownership of the church to the museum in exchange for full restoration. The church was dismantled and rebuilt in its original form during the years 1953–1954 and has undergone several conservation works since then.
Hofskirkja represents a distinctive blend of traditional and late-19th-century church architecture. The eastern gable retains an ancient appearance, while the vaulted ceiling above the chancel reflects contemporary timber church design. The interior is simple and bright, lacking both traditional chancel screens and reserved seating.
The church stands in a beautiful natural setting with views toward Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and lies close to Skaftafell. The surrounding churchyard, with its stone-bordered graves laid out according to old traditions, enhances the peaceful and timeless atmosphere.
Today, Hofskirkja is among the most photographed churches in Iceland and an essential stop for travelers exploring the southeast coast and the landscapes surrounding Vatnajökull.
Source: National Museum of Iceland
Photo: Andrew Dunn
Hofskirkja í Öræfum er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.