Iceland's most important religious site for over 700 years, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland from 1056. The current cathedral (1963) stands on the site of successive earlier churches, with excavations revealing medieval graves and artefacts.
Skálholt, in the Biskupstungur district of South Iceland, served as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland from 1056 until the diocese moved to Reykjavik in 1785, making it one of the two most important ecclesiastical centres in medieval Iceland alongside Hólar in the north. For over 700 years Skálholt functioned as a cathedral, school, and administrative centre, at times housing one of the largest populations in the country. At least eight earlier wooden and turf cathedrals stood on the site before fire, earthquake, and structural decay repeatedly destroyed them; the current cathedral, a modernist concrete structure completed in 1963, replaced these earlier buildings and stands on ground extensively excavated by archaeologists between 1954 and 1958. Those excavations uncovered the foundations of the medieval cathedrals, a bishop's residence, a school building, and several hundred graves, some containing skeletal remains now studied for evidence of diet and disease in medieval Iceland. The cathedral's crypt displays sections of the excavated stone foundations beneath glass, alongside the stone sarcophagus traditionally associated with Bishop Páll Jónsson, carved from Caen limestone imported from Normandy around 1200. The interior includes modern stained glass and a large mosaic behind the altar, both installed in the 1960s reconstruction, reflecting a curatorial approach that juxtaposes visible medieval remains with mid-20th-century architecture and art rather than attempting historical replication. Skálholt was also the site of a printing press established in the 16th century that produced some of the earliest books printed in Iceland, including a 1584 translation of the Bible. The estate declined sharply after a 1784 earthquake and volcanic eruption devastated the region, prompting the transfer of the bishopric and school to Reykjavik the following year.
| Admission | Free |
|---|
Why it matters
Skálholt served as the seat of the Bishop of Iceland from 1056 to 1785 and was one of the country's two medieval ecclesiastical and educational centres, hosting Iceland's first printing press and shaping religious and intellectual life for over seven centuries.
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Medieval cathedral foundations and stone crypt, excavated 1954–1958
- Stone sarcophagus attributed to Bishop Páll Jónsson, carved from imported Caen limestone
- 1963 modernist cathedral with stained glass and altar mosaic
- Site of Iceland's first printing press, active from the 16th century
- Annual Skálholt Summer Concerts held each July and August
Tips for visiting
- Start in the crypt beneath the cathedral to see the excavated medieval foundations before viewing the modern nave above.
- The Skálholt Summer Concerts in July and August combine chamber music with the cathedral's acoustics; tickets are sold separately.
- Entry to the cathedral and crypt is free, though donations toward upkeep are welcomed.
- Combine a visit with nearby Reykholt and the Golden Circle route for a full day of medieval Icelandic history.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skálholt Cathedral English-friendly for visitors?
Yes, printed guides and signage inside the cathedral and crypt are available in English.
How long does a visit to Skálholt take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour touring the cathedral, crypt, and grounds.
Is Skálholt suitable for children?
Yes, the site is open and low-traffic, though the crypt stairs may be difficult for very young children or strollers.