In ancient times Skálholt was the wealthiest, most populated and most influential settlement in Iceland. This centre of Christianity, culture, and education enjoyed great prosperity lasting 700 years from the mid-11th century until the end of the 18th.
After Christianity became the state religion of Iceland in 1000 AD, the very first ordained bishop settled at Skálholt in 1056. Iceland’s most famous bishop, Þorlákur Þórhallsson, served at the church from 1178 until he died in 1793. He is Iceland’s only canonised saint. People came on pilgrimage from all corners of Iceland to visit his relics in Skálholt. Throughout the Middle Ages, a huge wooden cathedral stood at Skálholt. There have actually been 10 different churches that have stood on the site over the centuries. Interestingly, the Icelandic 1.000 krona bill depicts an engraving of one of these early wooden cathedrals.
The Reformation Era
During the mid-16th century Reformation, the Danish kingdom converted to Lutheranism. As Danish subjects, Icelanders also became Lutheran. During those turbulent times the last Catholic bishop, Jon Arason, was executed in Skálholt. A more happy event during the Reformation was the translation of the Bible into Icelandic. In fact, the translators started their work in secrecy in Skálholt’s cow stables. One of the best known and most influential bishops of Skálholt after the Reformation was Brynjólfur Sveinsson. Icelanders highly respected him for his stance on education and on collecting old Icelandic manuscripts. He had a wooden church built at Skálholt approximately the same size as the present Cathedral.
Throughout the centuries, Skálholt was the actually the “capital” of Iceland, a rural nation with no cities. Skálholt was the true cultural and spiritual centre of the country. However, Skálholt lost its importance after the waning status of the bishop’s office and after several devastating volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes. In the 18th century, the episcopal seat and school moved to Reykjavík.
The Church today
Though Skálholt no longer houses the episcopal see, it is still an important religious building, as well as a cultural centre. The current cathedral at Skálholt is relatively large in comparison to most Icelandic churches; its span from door to apse is approximately 30 metres (98 feet). Actually, some of its predecessors were even longer, reaching up to 50 metres (164 feet) in length. The new cathedral was built from 1956 to 1963 as a part of the millennial celebrations of the episcopal see. The Cathedral has stained-glass windows and a mosaic alter piece by two of Iceland’s leading 20th century artists. Also, you can see the altar and the pulpit from the cathedral of Bishop Brynjólfur Sveinsson (17th century), as well as a chandelier and two copper candelabra Brynjólfur commissioned.
You can visit the church between 9:00am and 15:00 (3:00pm) daily. During ceremonies, people can also visit the museum in the church’s tomb.
During summer, Skálholt holds free classical concerts in the church that feature contemporary music and early Icelandic music with period instruments.
Skálholt also organises workshops and seminars throughout the year. Additionally, the area houses a hotel and a restaurant.
Skálholt and the Golden Circle
Skálholt is a wonderful stop on the Golden Circle route, especially if you want to connect with Icelandic history. In addition, some Golden Circle tours stop by Skálholt Cathedral.
