Churches in Iceland

Seyðisfjörður's Rainbow Street is a vibrant, permanently painted rainbow path leading straight to Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, the town's iconic light-blue wooden church in the Eastfjords. Painted in 2016 in support of the local LGBTQ+ community, it has become one of Iceland's most photographed spots — a joyful burst of colour framed by the surrounding mountains, and a highlight of any journey through East Iceland.

Skólavörðustígur — Reykjavík's beloved Rainbow Street — is a short pedestrian street in the heart of the capital, its stones painted in permanent rainbow stripes that lead the eye straight up to Hallgrímskirkja, the towering church crowning the hill. First painted for Reykjavík Pride and later made permanent, the rainbow has become one of Iceland's most photographed spots and a symbol of the city's open, welcoming spirit. Lined with design shops, cafés, and studios, it is one of downtown Reykjavík's most charming strolls — and the classic photo looks up the colourful street toward the church.

Ólafsvík's Rainbow Street brings a burst of colour to this small fishing town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, its rainbow-painted path leading toward the town's church, Ólafsvíkurkirkja. A cheerful, community-minded landmark far from the capital's crowds, it is a lovely, uncrowded stop for a photo while exploring Snæfellsnes — the peninsula often called "Iceland in miniature."

Skálholt is one of Iceland's most historically significant churches, built on the site of a medieval bishop's seat that once served as the intellectual and spiritual heart of the country. The current white cathedral, reconstructed in 1963, sits on foundations that reach back to the 12th century and houses beautifully modern interiors alongside archaeological remains beneath the floor. Visitors come to explore this important cultural landmark and to walk the grounds where Iceland's religious and educational history was shaped for centuries.

Vík í Mýrdal Church sits on a hillside overlooking the small village of Vík in South Iceland, a white-walled structure that has served the community since 1934. The church is notable for its distinctive architecture and commanding position above the black sand beaches and sea stacks of the area, making it a recognizable landmark visible from the ring road. Visitors often stop here for photographs of the church against the dramatic southern coastline, and it's worth a quick visit if you're exploring the nearby Reynisfjara Beach or driving through the region.

"Hólskirkja is the parish church of Bolungarvík and is located on Aðalstræti in the town. It is one of the so-called 'Rögnvaldur-churches,' designed by architect Rögnvaldur Ólafsson, and was consecrated in 1908." In the Church, there are three bells, installed by Ásgeir Long in 1968, and they are rung using an electric control system. The largest bell weighs 490 kg and has the tone G♯ The middle bell weighs 290 kg and has the tone B The smallest bell weighs 205 kg and has the tone C♯

Best time: Year-round. Free to enter church; tower elevator ~€12. Central Reykjavík, walkable. Tower has best city panorama. 15 min visit (church) + 15 min (tower). Can get crowded midday Jun–Aug. No parking lot — use street parking.

Akureyrarkirkja is the prominent white church that dominates Akureyri's skyline, built in 1940 with a distinctive design inspired by Iceland's basalt columns and mountains. It sits on a hill overlooking the town and harbor, making it a useful landmark and a common stop for visitors exploring Iceland's second-largest city. The interior is worth a quick look if you're in the area, though the real appeal is the views from outside and the church's role as the visual centerpiece of North Iceland's main urban hub.