Exploring the Black Church of Búðir: A Must-See in Iceland

What's Búðakirkja?

Búðakirkja is a little church painted all black, set in a lava field on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s not big or fancy, but the black color against the rough land makes it stand out. People take lots of photos because it looks different—like it’s from a movie. They still use it for weddings and small events, even though it’s far out.

It’s made of wood and shaped like a plain box with a small tower on top. It's called “Danish” style; it’s simple, with no extra stuff added. Inside, it’s intimate, with room for about 50 people, an organ, and old things like a bell from the 1700s. There’s no water or bathroom—it’s basic and old-school.

The black comes from a tar substance called pitch smeared on the wood. Years ago, this material was used to protect buildings from Iceland’s bad weather—rain, wind, and salty sea air. It’s the same stuff they put on ships to stop leaks. The pitch keeps the church solid, which is why Búðakirkja is one of just three black churches in Iceland. It’s tough and looks good because of it.

Búðakirkja History

This church goes back over 300 years. It started in 1703 when a merchant named Bent Lárusson built a little turf chapel from grass and dirt. A story says they picked the spot by spinning someone until he was dizzy, then letting him shoot arrows—it got built where one landed. Pretty odd.

By 1816, it wasn’t used much, so it was taken down. A tough local woman, Steinunn Sveinsdóttir, stepped in. She got people together, and in 1848, they rebuilt it. The one there now was renovated extensively in 1987 and still stands. They kept old stuff, like that 1700s bell.

Why is Búðakirkja Worth a Visit?

It’s worth a stop because it looks nice. The black church sticks out against lava fields, snowy mountains, or a clear sky—nature makes it look good. Photographers like it a lot since every spot works, whether sunny, stormy, or snowy.

The church is more than looks, though. Its history ties you to the past—Steinunn’s push to rebuild it over 150 years ago took real effort. Going there feels like stepping into Iceland’s story. It’s also quiet out there. If busy places wear you down, Búðakirkja gives you a calm break with wild land all around. It’s a special place to visit, as it has the kind of aura that sometimes surrounds these kinds of buildings.

Seeing the inside of the church is no easy task, as it's usually closed and only open for special events, but just watching the building from the outside is quite the sight.

Where is Búðakirkja & How to Get There

Búðakirkja is on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. They call it “Iceland in Miniature” because it’s got mountains, lava fields, and beaches all in one. The church belongs to the town of Búðir, which is at the same time part of a vast lava field called Búðahraun. To get there, take Route 54, then turn onto Route 578 toward Búðir. The road’s narrow but flat and goes right to the church.

A rental car is your best option. With one of our good cars, you can check out the peninsula at your own pace. In winter, snow might block the end, but they usually clear it to the Hotel Búðir nearby—just a short walk from there. A car makes this trip simpler.

What to do in Búðakirkja and Around

There’s lots to do at Búđakirkja and nearby. Here’s what you can get into:

Take Awesome Photos

The black church with the rough land around it makes good pictures. You can catch the lava fields stretching out, the Snæfellsjökull glacier peeking up behind, or the ocean if the day’s clear. Morning light makes it pop, and cloudy skies give it a cool, moody feel. Bring a camera or your phone—there’s no bad shot here. Walk around the church to find different angles, like the graveyard or the hills nearby.

Explore the Graveyard

Next to the church is a small, old graveyard with lava rocks all around it. The graves date back a long way—people had to haul sand from the beach to make them since the ground was too rocky to dig. It’s a quiet spot. Walk through it carefully and think about the people buried there years ago. You might spot some old names or dates carved in the stones.

Walk to the Beach

A 2-minute walk from the church gets you to Búða beach, a golden beach with black lava rocks mixed in. The colors look neat together—yellow sand against dark rocks. You can see seals swimming sometimes or hear the waves hitting the shore. It’s close enough to wander down after seeing the church. Take your time and enjoy the fresh air—it’s a good way to unwind.

Visit Arnarstapi Cliffs

A 20-minute drive gets you to these cliffs with sea stacks and arches sticking out of the water. Birds like puffins hang out there in summer. It’s a fishing village too, so you’ll see some houses and boats. It’s a nice follow-up to Búđakirkja, not too far away. There’s an easy path along the coast that connects Arnastapi with another nice little village called Hellnar. The path is easy to walk and quite dramatic.

Check Out Kirkjufell Mountain

A 30-minute drive takes you to this pointy mountain from Game of Thrones. It has a waterfall nearby, Kirkjufellsfoss, and together, they make one of the most famous photos in the country. The parking lot’s right off the road, so it’s easy to stop. People climb it sometimes, but just looking works, too. It’s a fun extra stop with your rental car.

Enjoy a Snack at Hotel Búðir

Close to the church, this hotel has a warm restaurant with big windows. Stop in for a hot chocolate or a bite and admire the landscapes around it. It’s a comfy place to sit if it’s cold or you need a break. You don’t have to stay there—just walk in and grab something. The view’s worth it.

See Ytri-Tunga Beach

About 20 minutes from Búđakirkja, this beach has golden sand, which isn’t common in Iceland. Seals flop around on the rocks or swim near the shore, especially in summer. There’s a parking lot off Route 54, then a short walk to the beach. Bring binoculars if you’ve got them—the seals might be a little ways out. It’s a chill spot to hang out and watch the animals.

Look at Lóndrangar Cliffs

A 15-minute drive from the church, these are two big basalt rocks sticking up from the ocean—like leftovers from an old volcano. They’re tall, about 75 meters, and birds nest on them in summer. Park at the viewpoint and walk a bit for a closer look. The waves hit hard here, and the cliffs feel old and solid. Locals say elves live around them, which adds a fun twist.

Stop by Djúpalónssandur Beach

Roughly 25 minutes away, this black sand beach has smooth pebbles and rusty bits from an old shipwreck scattered around. There are four lifting stones fishermen used to test their strength—give them a try if you’re feeling tough. The parking lot is close, and a short path takes you down. The cliffs around it and the dark sand make it a cool, rugged place to poke around.

The Best Time to Visit Búðakirkja

You can go to Búđakirkja any time of year. Summer, June to August, has long days and decent weather for wandering. Winter, December to February, puts snow on it, and you might see the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. Spring and fall are quieter, with cloudy skies that match the church’s feel. Wear warm stuff—Iceland’s windy and cold all year.

Conclusion

The Black Church of Búðir is a neat find that makes Iceland different. It’s got history, nice looks, and a calm feel all in one spot. With a rental car from us, you can fit it into your Iceland trip and check out the Snæfellsnes Peninsula your way. Bring a camera, drive out, and see why Búđakirkja’s a traveler’s pick. Have a good time.