Budakirkja is surely the most photographed church in Iceland (apart from Reykjavik Cathedral). It’s even more impressive in winter.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Iceland’s black church: Budakirkja
Is Budakirkja worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, Budakirkja is well worth a visit in winter. It’s a short detour on your loop around the peninsula, and the black church is even more stunning against the snowy landscape. The serene winter atmosphere and unique charm of the church make it an interesting destination during the colder months.
It’s one of the must-see places on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
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How to get to Budakirkja in winter: access and map
Where is Budakirkja in Iceland?
- On the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- 1.5 km detour from Route 54
- From Grundarfjordur = 35min drive
- From Borgarnes = 1h20 drive
- From Reykjavik = 2h20
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
You’ll need a car to get to the church.
From Route 54, which circles the peninsula, you’ll see a sign pointing to Budir for the detour to the church.
Then you have about 1.5km on a secondary road.
It is normally clear, but as there is less traffic than on the main road, it has more ice and snow. However, the road is easy, flat and with good visibility (if the weather conditions are right).
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
Parking
Free parking is available in the vicinity of the church.
As you can see from the photo below, there’s a hotel right next door: Hotel Budir.
It’s ideal for a chance to see the aurora, as it’s far from light sources.
See prices, pictures and availability
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- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
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- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The outside of the church is accessible at all times and free of charge, but is rarely open.
It’s a favorite with photographers, especially at sunrise, sunset and under the northern lights.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Plan a 15-minute stop to admire the church and its surroundings.
No difficulty, apart from the classics:
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
The black church of Budakirkja
Budakirkja, also known as the Black Church of Budir, is an iconic church. Its wooden exterior is black, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding lava fields, especially when covered with snow in winter.
The present church dates from 1848, but its history goes back to 1703, when the first version was built on the same site. Budakirkja has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1987.
Its design is simple, like most churches in Iceland. The church is surrounded by a historic cemetery.
The black work was apparently to protect the structure from the elements.
Its enduring presence on the Snaefellsnes peninsula bears witness to the architectural resilience of Iceland’s churches.
Budir Beach
Buda Beach, also known as Búdir Beach, is a golden-black sandy beach right next to the church.
The sand owes its unique color to the erosion of olivine, a mineral found in the surrounding lava fields.
The beach backs onto the Búdahraun lava field, a vast expanse of moss-covered lava stretching out to sea.
Búdir beach offers a serene, tranquil atmosphere, with the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains as a backdrop.
The surrounding mountains
As well as the charm of the church and its beach, we also really enjoyed the surrounding scenery, with mountains where the black contrasted particularly well with the white of the snow.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of our favourite regions in Iceland!
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can even see the Snæfellsjökull glacier at the heart of the peninsula. It rises to an altitude of 1446m and is famous for being the starting point of Jules Verne’s Journey to Earth. On the left, in the photo above.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
