Búðakirkja
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Iceland trip
What foods do Iceland locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Iceland
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Iceland
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Iceland
What people say
Lisa Dahl
"⛪ The Búðakirkja church dates back to the 18th century and is one of the few black churches remaining in the country.
🖤 Black churches used to be more common as they were tarred as a way to protect them from Iceland’s harsh climate.
❤️ The setting is spectacular, located in a lava field close to the Atlantic Ocean.
📷 The church is one of the most photographed places in Iceland.
😃 This is a popular spot and it can get quite crowded. But tourists have to stay outside of the low stone wall so its possible to get a good photo, despite the crowds.
📸 I captured my best photos later in the day as the sun was dropping in the sky, casting a golden glow on this pretty little black church.
👉 The interior is tiny and not open to the public but I caught a brief glimpse when someone was there checking the spot out for a wedding.
💰 COST: Free to visit outside
🚗 PARKING: Free parking but it can get crowded.
⏰ HOURS: Exterior is always open to view. "
Read more in:
Nally Preseault
"Búðakirkja is a tiny, black, wooden church surrounded by lava fields in the equally tiny hamlet of Búðir. A church was first established here in 1703. The current building, which can hold 50 people, was completed in 1848. It has an organ and two bells, but no heat or plumbing. The pastor is a woman. The church is still used for local events and weddings. But most of the time, it's locked. Visitors can still peek in the windows and walk around the connected graveyard. If you only visit one church besides Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja, make it this one."
Read more in:
Mirela Ćenanović
"All that remains of Búðir’s former community is the black wooden church Búðakirkja. A man named Bent Lauridtsen got a bishop’s permit in 1701 to build a church in the area. When it came to deciding the location, an old woman reportedly suggested making a man spin in circles until he became dazed and then have him shoot three arrows into the air. Where the third arrow landed, the church should be built."
Read more in:
Mentioned in these guides
About Búðakirkja
Get the inside scoop on Búðakirkja from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Búðakirkja reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT