Audio Guide of Saurbær Church

The church is usually open to visitors during the summer months, generally from June to August, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located in Eyjafjörður, about 25 km south of Dalvík, and is easily accessible by car via Road 821; you can find more details on the National Museum of Iceland website.

There is generally a conservation fee of around 1500 ISK (Icelandic króna) for adults, while children usually enter free of charge. Since it is a historic building maintained by the National Museum, your contribution helps preserve this gem of turf architecture.

As it is a small and intimate church, a visit of 20 to 30 minutes is enough to appreciate its interior architecture, read the information panels, and take in the site's unique atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

Built in 1858, Saurbær Church is one of only six surviving turf churches in Iceland and stands out as one of the largest and best preserved. It is an important example of Icelandic vernacular architecture and features a wooden interior and a grass-covered roof that helps insulate it from the extreme cold.

Without a doubt, the best time is summer, from June to August, to ensure that it is open and that road conditions are optimal. Going early in the morning lets you enjoy the natural light on the turf facade and avoid possible tourist groups.

Because of its historic 19th-century construction, with high thresholds, narrow passageways, and natural ground outside, wheelchair access is very difficult and the site is not adapted for it. Caution is recommended when moving around the grounds.

You are in a great location; you can combine your visit with a whale-watching tour in Dalvík or visit the lively town of Akureyri, known as the 'Capital of the North,' which is only about 30 minutes away by car.

Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear, as the surroundings are grassy and may be wet, and watch your head on the way in because the door frames are very low. Don’t forget your camera—the contrast between the dark wood and the vivid green roof is spectacular for photography.