Drive from hotel
50 min
Accessability
Easy
Season
All
Situated in the lower part of the Biskupstungur valley between the rivers Hvítá and Brúará, Skálholt is one of Iceland’s places of special historical interest. For seven centuries it was the scene of the most dramatic events which shaped the political, spiritual and cultural life in Iceland. Its early history is traced back to the 11th century when religious disputes were at their sharpest in Iceland. Within two centuries of the settlement of Iceland, the first bishopric was founded at Skálholt in 1056 for South Iceland, and soon a second at Hólar in 1109 for North Iceland.
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 is a historical site and an ancient bishop seat in South Iceland, 30 min drive from Gullfoss waterfall. It is a common site to visit while driving the famous Golden Circle.
Ísleifur Gissurason was the first bishop in Skálholt as well as all of Iceland, he became bishop in 1056.
Distances from Skálholt Cathedral
It takes approximately 50 min to drive from Hotel Rangá to Skálholt church.
It takes approximately 1 hr. 15 min to drive from Reykjavík to Skálholt church.
It takes approximately 30 min to drive from Gullfoss waterfall to Skálholt church.
