Experience Iceland’s iconic black church between lava and sea

Búðakirkja is a small black wooden church in the remote hamlet of Búðir on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It was built in 1987 as a faithful reconstruction of the 1849 church. The dark colour originally came from timber treated with tar, which protected it from Iceland’s harsh weather. Inside you’ll find a simple altar, wooden pews and an old church bell in the tower. Despite its modest size, the church is still used today for services and weddings and is seen as a symbol of Icelandic cultural heritage and the country’s typical Lutheran wooden church tradition.

The church stands in the middle of the Búðahraun lava field within Snæfellsjökull National Park and is only a few minutes’ walk from the car park. The short path leads through volcanic scenery with views of the Atlantic, black beaches and, in good weather, of the nearby Snæfellsjökull glacier. Right next to the church is a small cemetery with engraved headstones. The church itself is usually viewed from the outside, as it is often locked. The car park can quickly fill up with tourist buses when it’s busy, so it’s worth visiting outside peak times. Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for your visit.