Discover Ríp: Church site in Hegranes

Ríp is a farm and church site in Hegranes. For travelers looking for accommodation during a stay in this area, the local history offers a concrete point of reference: Rípurkirkja combines a clearly dated building history with religious works of art and a varied collection of furnishings. The landscape of Hegranes also shapes the regional setting. Ríp can thus be understood through its connection to the farm, the church, and the surrounding area.

Ríp and the landscape of Hegranes

Ríp is located in Hegranes. The area, about 15 km long and 5 km wide, lies between the branches of the Héraðsvötn before they flow into the sea. Hegranes is hilly, with basalt ridges and steep cliffs. Grassy marshes with small lakes lie between the ridges. These approximate dimensions and the described landscape features provide a regional setting for the church site. The history of Hegranes also includes the district assembly of Norðlendingafjórðungur, which was once held there.

History of Rípurkirkja

The earlier history of the site includes a provisional archaeological interpretation: Ríp was probably founded during Iceland’s historically defined settlement period, approximately between 870 and 930 AD. The founding should therefore be regarded as probable, not certain. Later stages in the history of Rípurkirkja are precisely dated. Architect and master builder Rögnvaldur Ólafsson prepared the first designs for the church in 1913; it was consecrated on June 14, 1925. Thus, a provisional interpretation of early settlement sits alongside dated milestones in the church’s history.

Art and furnishings

The artworks in Rípurkirkja depict a range of biblical subjects. On the west wall is an altarpiece from 1777 depicting the Last Supper. Another altarpiece was painted in 1927 by Guðmund Einarsson frá Miðdal and depicts the baptism of Jesus Christ. The two works are 150 years apart. Comparing them brings together two paintings with clearly documented dates and different subjects, adding an artistic perspective to the building’s history.

The furnishings include a silver chalice and paten, as well as three old embroidered altar cloths. Two bells hang in the bell frames. Sigurður Jónsson frá Hróarsdal carved the baptismal font and hymn-number board from birchwood and gave both to the church. There are also three four-armed candlesticks and six wall lights; both groups were purchased abroad. Together, these make up several distinct types of items: artworks, church objects, embroidered cloths, carved works, bells, and lights.

The religious history has its own significance too: the Catholic churches in Ríp were dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. This historical dedication adds another aspect of the church site to the architectural and artistic history of Rípurkirkja.

Discover more destinations: Varmahlíð, Hvammstangi, Svínavatn, Laugarbakki, Hólar, Blönduós, Miklibær, Skagaströnd

See the regional travel overview: Northwest Iceland.