The library in the church tower

In the tower of Skálholt Church, there is a remarkable and good collection of the oldest prints in Iceland. The museum contains copies of most of the books that were printed in Iceland from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century.

The museum is originally the museum of Þorstein Þorsteinsson, the commissioner of Dalaman. Kári Helgason then bought the collection, added to it somewhat and improved it.

Bishop Sigurbjörn Einarsson lobbied for the National Church to buy the collection from Kára in 1965, and after public fundraising, a temporary place was found in the tower of the church, where it is still preserved in fireproof vaults.

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Gerðar Helgadóttir's windows

The stained glass windows of Skálholt Church are by the artist Gerði Helgadóttir (1928-1975) and refer to the history of the bishop's chair and the martyrdom of Christ. They are some of the most beautiful and precious works of art that are working in an Icelandic church.

Altaristafla Nínu Tryggvadóttur

The altarpiece in Skálholt Church is by the artist Nína Tryggvadóttir (1913-1968). Nina's idea was that the altarpiece should represent a semi-airy image of Christ appearing as a kind of spirit in the Icelandic summer landscape. The work of art is made of mosaic and was installed in 1966. The work is one of the most beautiful and valuable works of art that can be found in an Icelandic church.

Artifacts in Skálholtskirkja

Inside the church are artifacts from the 17th century. There is an altar, staves and pulpit from the last cathedral, the altar of Bishop Sveinsson Brynjólf and the pulpit of master Jón Vídalín.

Architecture

The building master of the state, Hörður Bjarnason, is the architect of Skálholt Church, which is exceptionally elegant in its simplicity. In his version of Skálholt Church, Hörður had in mind Brynjólf Church, crossed with transepts and aisles.

The museum in the basement of the church

The museum in the basement of the church contains various objects found during the archaeological excavations of 1954 - 58. Among them Pál Jónsson's stone coffin and an underpass between the church and the medieval village.

The Booth of St Thorlak

Þorláksbúð is believed to have been built after a church fire during the time of bishop Ögmund Pál's son. As far as is known, Ögmundur was the last Catholic bishop and in his time mass was held in this house while a new church was being built.

Construction on the church

Skálholtskirkja has received a complete overhaul in 2022 and 2023. The entire exterior and interior of the church was covered during this time.

Kirkjuklukkurnar

In the tower of Skálholt Church there are five church bells that were given to the church during the construction period, one from Denmark, two from Sweden, one from Finland and one from Norway.