Reyniskirkja Church
Reyniskirkja Church
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- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia19,452 contributionsCute Church above VikDuring our Iceland tour we saw many such Churches. Many of them are totally isolated with nothing around and a perfect picture op. This one is charming due to its position above the small town of Vik. It overlooks the town and the black sand beach with basalt cliffs in the background. Unfortunately due to ongoing funeral procession we couldn't enter it.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 28, 2023
- SydneyPerla653 contributionsAwesome viewsWe cannot really say if the church is beautiful from the inside. But for the best Photo ever you simply follow the path uphill (a 4 WD) would also do. On top there is the cemetery and from there you can enjoy a beautiful look down to the church and the surroundings. We really loved it.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2024
- product-of-canadaToronto, Canada2,492 contributionsWhere to go for post card photoThis church, with the coast as the backdrop, is used in many promotional photos in Iceland. You will visit it as part of many tours that do the South Coast day trip. I was glad to have visited it from the outside. Some blue sky would have been nice for the photo, though. Right in town, at the bottom of this hill where the church is, by the water, is a huge gift shop in addition to a grocery store. This was some of the best selection I've ever seen for souvenirs during our 1 week stay. Could not believe I could find a great toque for about $14 USD.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 24, 2024
- 6_Speed_AutomaticCovington, Louisiana295 contributionsIceland is dotted with several small churches, each with a unique aspectIceland is dotted with several small churches. Each with its own unique features. We were not able to enter, but the church is situated on top of a ridge giving a panoramic view of the nearby town and Atlantic coast. Worth the extra 30 minutes of time to appreciate the bright colors and the excellent view.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
618 reviews
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216
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272
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3
Rudi Rudi
Washington DC, DC2,132 contributions
Aug 2021
You can't miss this picture-perfect church. It is in walking distance of beach of Reynisfjara. I didn't check to see if the door were open because the gate were closed. Stop for a picture. It will only take a minute. Many people didn't leave their cars. They took pictures in their cars in the church parking lot.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
During our Iceland tour we saw many such Churches. Many of them are totally isolated with nothing around and a perfect picture op.
This one is charming due to its position above the small town of Vik. It overlooks the town and the black sand beach with basalt cliffs in the background.
Unfortunately due to ongoing funeral procession we couldn't enter it.
This one is charming due to its position above the small town of Vik. It overlooks the town and the black sand beach with basalt cliffs in the background.
Unfortunately due to ongoing funeral procession we couldn't enter it.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
6_Speed_Automatic
Covington, LA295 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Iceland is dotted with several small churches. Each with its own unique features. We were not able to enter, but the church is situated on top of a ridge giving a panoramic view of the nearby town and Atlantic coast. Worth the extra 30 minutes of time to appreciate the bright colors and the excellent view.
Written September 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneyPerla
Sydney653 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We cannot really say if the church is beautiful from the inside.
But for the best Photo ever you simply follow the path uphill (a 4 WD) would also do. On top there is the cemetery and from there you can enjoy a beautiful look down to the church and the surroundings. We really loved it.
But for the best Photo ever you simply follow the path uphill (a 4 WD) would also do. On top there is the cemetery and from there you can enjoy a beautiful look down to the church and the surroundings. We really loved it.
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wohdonkey
Newark, OH2,233 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We stopped here with a tour group
for some photo ops. We were not able to go into the church but we did get some beautiful views of Vik and the black sand beach from this location. We also saw a couple people hang gliding while we were there.
for some photo ops. We were not able to go into the church but we did get some beautiful views of Vik and the black sand beach from this location. We also saw a couple people hang gliding while we were there.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,046 contributions
Aug 2021
The picturesque Vikurkirkja, that striking little white church with a bright red roof which sits atop a hill above Vík í Mýrdal, is certainly worth a visit. On one side it’s framed by the grassy, treeless escarpment that rises steeply towards Iceland’s glacier-strewn hinterland. On the other side it’s framed by the ocean, with Vik’s beautiful black beach and the iconic basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar in the background.
It’s not a difficult walk if you are on foot, though it is a bit of a steep climb. Leave the main road at Suourvegur, then turn right into Hatun and follow it along until you come to the church. You can’t miss it as it’s quite a landmark, and the most iconic landmark in Vik! Or at least the most photographed!
The famous red-roofed church was finished in 1934 for the small population of pre-toursim, 1930’s Vik. It was late afternoon when we headed up to the church; unfortunately it wasn’t open; nor could you peer through the windows as they are out of reach.
But don’t be disappointed if that is your experience, as the views from the churchyard are exceptional. You’ll see the pretty village of Vík í Mýrdal below. It’s the southernmost village in the south of Iceland, and has a population of around 350 now - with dozens of tourist buses in situ as it’s a very popular spot on the tourist trail. Beyond the village you’ll see the spectacular rugged terrain of the coast, with the basalt stacks and the beautiful expanse of black beach. It’s a truly beautiful sight and a wonderful reward for the steep climb up!
It’s not a difficult walk if you are on foot, though it is a bit of a steep climb. Leave the main road at Suourvegur, then turn right into Hatun and follow it along until you come to the church. You can’t miss it as it’s quite a landmark, and the most iconic landmark in Vik! Or at least the most photographed!
The famous red-roofed church was finished in 1934 for the small population of pre-toursim, 1930’s Vik. It was late afternoon when we headed up to the church; unfortunately it wasn’t open; nor could you peer through the windows as they are out of reach.
But don’t be disappointed if that is your experience, as the views from the churchyard are exceptional. You’ll see the pretty village of Vík í Mýrdal below. It’s the southernmost village in the south of Iceland, and has a population of around 350 now - with dozens of tourist buses in situ as it’s a very popular spot on the tourist trail. Beyond the village you’ll see the spectacular rugged terrain of the coast, with the basalt stacks and the beautiful expanse of black beach. It’s a truly beautiful sight and a wonderful reward for the steep climb up!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
London, UK914 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Located on the hillside above Vik, the church is an iconic sight of South Iceland.
Be warned though, iconic photos rely on the weather and Iceland’s weather is notorious. The locals have a saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”
Be warned though, iconic photos rely on the weather and Iceland’s weather is notorious. The locals have a saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pepe Peña
Monterrey, Mexico2,973 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Obligated photo
How to get there? From Route 1 turn to (right or left depending which direction you are going) Suðurvegur and then turn right to Hátún, go straight and after 3 streets you will find the church, if you are coming from Reykjavik direction, turn left on the 1st street when you arrive to Vík.
Experience: Seems that its Icelandic name is Víkurkirkja, just as a reference. A small church, enough for the town; very clean on the outside (probably also in the inside, but we can’t tell, because was closed when we visited it) and really is an obligated stop for the views.
The church is located high above town, so you can watch the Atlantic Ocean, the small but pretty town and if you already visited it, other side of incredible Reynisdrangar.
The architecture is kind of like other Icelandic churches, and no matter the size, the contrast with the surroundings make it a very unique church.
Opening Hours: parking lot seems to be opened all day, not sure about the church.
Cost: parking and admission are free.
Duration: less than 30 minutes. So, no excuse to make a brief detour.
Other: the road ends with a cemetery.
How to get there? From Route 1 turn to (right or left depending which direction you are going) Suðurvegur and then turn right to Hátún, go straight and after 3 streets you will find the church, if you are coming from Reykjavik direction, turn left on the 1st street when you arrive to Vík.
Experience: Seems that its Icelandic name is Víkurkirkja, just as a reference. A small church, enough for the town; very clean on the outside (probably also in the inside, but we can’t tell, because was closed when we visited it) and really is an obligated stop for the views.
The church is located high above town, so you can watch the Atlantic Ocean, the small but pretty town and if you already visited it, other side of incredible Reynisdrangar.
The architecture is kind of like other Icelandic churches, and no matter the size, the contrast with the surroundings make it a very unique church.
Opening Hours: parking lot seems to be opened all day, not sure about the church.
Cost: parking and admission are free.
Duration: less than 30 minutes. So, no excuse to make a brief detour.
Other: the road ends with a cemetery.
Written March 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alberta S
Washington DC, DC758 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
Driving into Vik to see the Reynisdrangar basalt stacks in the ocean, we first see a beautiful white church on a hill high above the town.
Built in 1934 on the highest spot overlooking town, it was located on this spot as a safety refuge. The town believes this is the only place safe following a possible eruption of the temporarily dormant Katla volcano. An eruption would melt the Mýrdalsjökull glacier above the town, causing a huge flood, wiping out the town.
Built in 1934 on the highest spot overlooking town, it was located on this spot as a safety refuge. The town believes this is the only place safe following a possible eruption of the temporarily dormant Katla volcano. An eruption would melt the Mýrdalsjökull glacier above the town, causing a huge flood, wiping out the town.
Written March 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracie
Brisbane, Australia106 contributions
Oct 2018
Stopped here with our tour group. It’s a lovely little church but when we were there you couldn’t go inside.
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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