Skálholtsdómkirkja

About the museum

Skálholt is one of the most important historic sites in the nation and was the centre of Icelandic national life from the middle of the 11th century until the late 18th century. The present cathedral is the tenth church to stand on the site; the first was built shortly after the conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.

In the basement of the church is a museum showing archaeological finds from excavations carried out in the 1960s. These include the stone coffin of Bishop Páll Jónsson, who died in 1211, grave slabs from various periods and an old tunnel that was used from the 11th century to move between the houses and the church. Þorláksbúð next to the church is a replica of a booth at Keldur and refers to buildings that have stood on the site since 1527.

Close to the church is an archaeological site where a small village of houses of various sizes stood for centuries. Visitors can walk around the area and learn about the houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Groups can book a guided tour of the site, the church, the museum and the tunnel.

Highlights

• Museum in the church basement with archaeological finds
• Stone coffin of Bishop Páll Jónsson, who died in 1211
• Old tunnel between the houses and the church
• Archaeological site with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries
• Þorláksbúð

Permanent exhibition

• Safnið í kjallara Skálholtskirkju – Finds from the excavations of the 1960s: the stone coffin of Bishop Páll, grave slabs and the old tunnel between the church and the houses.

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Skálholt is in the uplands of Árnessýsla, on the Golden Circle route.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit