A white church called Skalholt Cathedral, with a turf house next to it in Iceland.

March 22, 2026

Skálholt Cathedral – A Hidden Gem on Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Have you ever been to a place that took you by surprise and delivered so much more than you expected?

That’s how visiting Skálholt Cathedral was for me!

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of South Iceland, Skálholt Cathedral may not have the dramatic landscapes of waterfalls or glaciers, but it holds something just as special: history.

Lots of it.

Presented in a way that just makes you want to stay a lot longer than you planned!

Read on to find out why you should make Skalholt Cathedral a proper stop and not just a quick detour during your Iceland travels.

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Skálholt Cathedral – A Hidden Gem on Iceland’s Golden Circle.

What is Skálholt Cathedral?

Skálholt Cathedral (Skálholtsdómkirkja) is a historical church, built in 1963 as the 10th church in this location. Prior churches either burned down, were destroyed by storms, or other acts of nature.

A white church with a black roof, called Skalholt Cathedral, in Iceland.

Located in the tiny village of Skálholt, the Cathedral is part of a larger historical site, considered one of the oldest religious sites in Iceland.

Skálholt also used to be the capital of Iceland for over 700 years before it was moved to Reykjavik.

To learn more about the history of the church and the site, visit the official website.

How to get to Skálholt Cathedral?

The easiest way to get to Skálholt is to drive.

Even though the site is very close to the popular Golden Circle stops and detours, I couldn’t find tours that included it in their itineraries.

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It’s about a 1 hr 20-minute (90 km) drive from Reykjavik and only a 20 to 25-minute drive from Geysir Hot Springs or the Secret Lagoon on the Golden Circle.

A Google maps screenshot of directions to Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland. — *Click here or on the map for directions.*

Things to do in Skálholt

1. Visit the Cathedral

Despite its historical significance, the Cathedral is rather modern and minimalistic in design.

It has a unique, beautiful altar and intricate, colorful stained glass windows.

The inside of the church, called Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland, with wooden pews and roof, and a painted altar.

The inside of the church, called Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland, with wooden pews and colorful stained glass windows.

A colorful painted altar inside Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland.

2. Visit the underground museum and the tunnel

For a small fee of 500 ISK (as of 2024), you can enter the underground crypt and the tunnel.

The museum is small and houses artifacts discovered during the archaeological excavations conducted in the 1950s, prior to the construction of the current church.

An underground crypt at Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland, with a stone coffin in a glass case.

You’ll also find a stone coffin of one of the bishops, Páll Jónsson, and the entrance to a short tunnel, which was shorter than I expected but still fun to walk through!

An open door leading to an underground tunnel at the Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland.

A stone lined underground tunnel under Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland.

According to the information plaque at the door, the tunnel was used to connect the church with the bishop’s quarters and the school.

3. Explore the archeological site

The site is accessed by the underground tunnel from the museum.

An exit from the tunnel under Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland.

a set of stone steps leading outside from the tunnel under Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland.

It consists of marked areas on the ground where various buildings stood, described in detail by the info signs.

A narrow gravel path leading to an archeological site near Skalholt Cathedral in Iceland, with a mountain view ahead.

Added bonus – an amazing view right in front of the area!

4. Explore the turf house

The turf house, called Þorláksbúð (or St, Thorlak Booth, named after one of the Skálholt bishops), stands right next to the Cathedral and is a replica of the houses occupied by the residents from this area in the 16^th century.

A turf house at the Skalholt historic site in iceland.

And of course, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this place!

Skálholt Cathedral hours

The church and the museum are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. You can visit the grounds at any time of day.

How much time do I need for Skálholt Cathedral

I would allow about an hour to visit the church, the museum, the turfhouse and the archaeological site.

For a quick look just at the cathedral and its surroundings, 20-30 minutes may be enough.

Parking for Skálholt Cathedral

Parking is just a small gravel lot next to the historical area. It’s free and usually doesn’t get too busy.

Is Skálholt worth visiting?

It’s a must! Whether you’re exploring the Golden Circle or simply love quiet, meaningful places, visiting Skálholt Cathedral is a stop that surprises many travelers, myself included.

It’s calm, beautiful, and layered with centuries of fascinating history, making it well worth adding to your itinerary.

Nearby attractions:

If you’re a fan of traditional Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist, stop by the Hvönn Restaurant located just steps away from the Cathedral, in the nearby Hotel Skálholt.

A distant view of single floor, white building of the Hotel Skalholt in Iceland. — *Hotel Skálholt*

For another unique dining experience, visit Friðheimar Tomato Farm (10-minute drive), where you can have a delicious meal right in their greenhouse!

Want to see the bluest waterfall in Iceland? Make a short (22-minute drive) to Brúarfoss Waterfall.

Many other Golden Circle attractions, including the newest Laugarás Lagoon, are also conveniently located nearby to make a wonderful day trip itinerary.

If you’re seeking quiet beauty and Icelandic history away from the crowds, Skálholt Cathedral is one of the most rewarding stops you can make.

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