Húsavíkurkirkja Húsavík Church

Adding a distinctly quaint feel to the town, one of the most significant landmarks in Húsavík is the church. Standing at a respectable twenty-six meters high, it looks out across the harbour, ready to welcome the fishermen home after a weary day.

Built in 1907, designed by the state architect, Rögnvaldur Ólafsson, the building plan takes the form of a cross and was built using wood imported from Norway. The design is different from other churches in Iceland because it does not have the familiar pulpit.

Húsavíkurkirkja is a rather large building compared to the average size of churches in Iceland. At the time of its erection it was thought to be a megalomaniac project because the town wanted to build a church that could host the entire community of Húsavík at once. Despite some people being sure that this would never work, it did and for many years the entire community could be seated at once.

While you are there, look closely at the altar. The figures depicted in the painting of Lazarus are based on Húsavík townspeople who modeled for the artist. Some were apparently a little disgruntled at the outcome, see if you can figure out which ones they were.

The church is open for visitors every day in summer but closed on special occasions. See the opening hours. In winter the opening hours may be irregular.