Discover South Iceland Highland
Glaciers – Volcanoes – Mountains – Waterfalls – Thermal Pools

Attractions : Strandakirkja Church

The humble wooden church Strandakirkja on the southwest coast on the road between Thorlakshöfn and Grindavik has been central in many seamen’s prayer for centuries. The original church is said to have been built by seamen in peril whose prayers for rescue were answered by an angel that appeared on the shore and guided them to land ("The guiding light of those who sail the sea"). 

The conception of the church has formatted hagiographies that testify the danger of life that seamen have had to endure in the stormy waters of this sometimes violent coastline. People from all over the world still pledge donations to Strandakirkja in hope of help in times of trouble. This wealthy little church (the richest in Iceland) and its mesmerizing surroundings are truly worth a visit.

Back

Print | Tell a friend