Hólar: Cathedral, Cultural History and Hiking Trails

Hólar brings together an important ecclesiastical and architectural history with marked hiking trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Hólar, the character of the place can be a useful starting point for planning: make the cathedral and historic buildings, the history of the Icelandic horse, or hiking the focus of your stay. These different themes offer various perspectives on Hólar and help you shape your time around your own interests.

The Cathedral and Architectural Heritage

Hólar Cathedral is Iceland’s oldest stone church and was built in 1763. Its red sandstone comes from Mount Hólabyrða. The altarpiece also offers a concrete glimpse into the design of the church interior: it is carved from wood, coated with plaster, painted, and gilded. Historically significant objects are also on display in the cathedral. The building, its materials, and its furnishings thus represent several aspects of Hólar’s cultural heritage.

Since the 12th century, when Hólar became the episcopal see for northern Iceland, the place has been a center of culture and education. Nýibær is another testament to its architectural history: built in 1860, this medium-sized turf farmhouse is in the Scandinavian style. The stone cathedral and Nýibær thus represent different building types and periods. If you are interested in architecture, both offer a clear focus for exploring the history of the place.

The Icelandic Horse and Archaeological Finds

The Icelandic Horse History Centre was founded in Hólar in 2001 and is housed in Hólar’s old stable, built in 1931. Its permanent exhibition The Icelandic Horse conveys the historical significance of the horse through stage sets, films, video clips, and objects. These various media are part of the exhibition concept, which focuses on the history of the Icelandic horse. The center thus complements the ecclesiastical and architectural history with a theme of its own.

Archaeological finds also point to Hólar’s past. More than 40,000 objects in total were found during excavations in Hólar. A selection is on view in the old schoolhouse. Since the exhibition’s availability may change, it is advisable to check what is currently on display before your visit.

Hiking Trails Around Hólar

The marked History Trail (“Söguslóð”) around Hólar is relatively short and easy, and is suitable for children. A longer and more challenging option is the marked hike from Gvendarskál through the Grjótárdalur valley to the summit of Hólabyrða: it takes four to six hours and is considered moderate. This gives you a clear difference in time and difficulty to consider when planning your day, without treating the two routes as equivalent.

Other named hiking destinations include Gvendarskál, the Quarry, and Mount Elliði. Hiking trails from Hólar lead to Gvendarskál and the Quarry, and a trail leads up Elliði. Around Hólar, trails also range from the forest to mountain peaks. You can therefore find both a short, easy route and named destinations for longer hikes. The duration and difficulty details refer to the described hike through Grjótárdalur to the summit of Hólabyrða.

Discover more destinations: Svínavatn, Hvammstangi, Ríp, Varmahlíð, Undirfell, Lækjamót, Hofsós, Blönduós

For the overview of the wider region: Northwestern Region.