Búðarkirkja, West Iceland

GPS POINTS N64° 49′ 22.316″ W23° 23′ 4.532″

Búðarkirkja, west Iceland

Location: West Iceland
Directions on Google maps

On the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is a village with only a tiny black church called „Budarkirkja“. Budir sits within the Budahraun lava field, an expansive environment of torn-up earth that has grown over with grassy flora. One could easily imagine creatures from fairy tales living amongst the jagged rock formations and in the deep holes that have formed here. Visitors can walk along the fields and down to the coastline along trails that look and feel unending.

The first Budakirkja church was built on the spot in 1703, but was eventually deconstructed due to the area lack of parishioners. The current church was reconstructed in 1987 after a single member of the church lobbied to have the chapel brought back. It has a historic graveyard as well as relics such as a bell and chalice from the time the church was first erected. However its pure black paint job and isolated location are the real attraction to the site.

Búðarkirkja is located in the southern part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, about two and a half hours drive from Reykjavik. The best way to get there is by car, as this will give you the most flexibility in terms of stops and attractions along the way. If you’re driving from Reykjavik, take Road One north towards Borgarnes. At the roundabout on the outskirts of town, take Road 54 towards Grundarfjörður. Once you have driven around 170km from Reykjavik, you will arrive at Budir and Budarkirkja.

Búðir Church is located on The Snaefellsnes peninsula. The peninsula contains everything that makes Iceland such a special place: glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and more. One of the most popular attractions on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is the Kirkjufell mountain. This beautiful mountain is one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks and can be seen in many photographs and paintings of the country. Another must-see attraction on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is the Snæfellsjökull glacier. If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, consider spending a day at one of the peninsula’s many black sand beaches, for example at the village of Arnarstapi.