Saurbæjarkirkja
Well into 19th century it was common in Iceland to build community churches using stone walls and thick turf roofs. While once commonplace, today only half a dozen such structures still remain throughout the country. Saurbæjarkirkja is one of those:
Saurbæjarkirkja
Saurbæjarkirkja is directly behind the Museum of Sundry Objects, which I showed you a couple of weeks ago. It’s about five minutes’ walk from the museum, and well worth the stroll up the hill.
Saurbæjarkirkja and nearby hills
In the church yard is a cemetery:
Saurbæjarkirkja Cemetery
Saurbæjarkirkja headstone
The church interior is rustic, with a lot of rich wood. But pay particular attention to the detail in the wooden ceiling holding up the turf roof:
Inside Saurbæjarkirkja
Saurbæjarkirkja appears to be situated on farmland, as it sits mere meters away from this farm house and associated structures:
Saurbæjarkirkja (left); farm house and structures (right)
Stable next to Saurbæjarkirkja
Make sure on your visit to glance around at the surrounding hills:
Saurbæjarkirkja area hills
Saurbæjarkirkja area
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
R. Doug Wicker — Author 