Drive from hotel
50 min
Accessability
Easy
Season
All
Skálholt Cathedral as it is known today was built in 1963. However, this site has been home to a place of worship since the year 1056. In fact, the current version of Skálholt Cathedral is the 10th church to have been built on these grounds. Christianity was brought to Iceland at the end of the 10th century. Inevitably, there was some conflict and dispute surrounding the new religion. As a result, the first bishopric was founded at Skálholt in 1056.
The current Skálholt Cathedral is known as a beautiful place of worship. The church is decorated with stained glass windows and a special altarpiece. Underneath the church, visitors can see a sarcophagus that was discovered in 1954. Archaeologists found the sarcophagus while digging up the foundations of an older building underneath Skálholt Cathedral. It is thought that the tomb contains the remains of the bishop Páll Jónsson who died in 1211.
Every summer Skalholt Cathedral has a music festival called The Summer Music Festival. It focuses on performance of new pieces by contemporary composers and baroque music performed on period instruments. Click here for more information.
FAQ about Skálholt Cathedral
On our social media channels we frequently post tips, tricks & fun facts about Iceland with the hashtag #knowIceland.
Skálholt Cathedral is a historical site and a place of worship in South Iceland. Skálholt is only a 30 minute drive from Gullfoss waterfall. If you are interested in Iceland’s history, Skálholt is a great additional to your Golden Circle tour.
Ísleifur Gissurason became the first bishop in Iceland in 1056. He served as bishop at Skálholt Cathedral which was Iceland’s first bishop’s seat.
Distances from Skálholt Cathedral
It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive from Hotel Rangá to Skálholt Cathedral.
It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from Reykjavík to Skálholt Cathedral.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from Gullfoss waterfall to Skálholt Cathedral.
