Hólar brings together ecclesiastical heritage, architectural history, horse culture, and marked hiking trails. The site has been a center of culture and education since the 12th century, when Hólar became the episcopal see for North Iceland. There are several ways to plan your visit: you can focus on historic buildings and exhibitions, or add a hike to your stay. The trails vary considerably in length and difficulty, so a short trail requires different planning from a hike lasting several hours.
Cathedral and Architectural History
Hólar Cathedral is Iceland’s oldest stone church and was built in 1763. It is made of red sandstone from Mount Hólabyrða. The cathedral’s altarpiece is carved from wood, coated with plaster, painted, and gilded. Historically significant objects are also on display in the cathedral. The name Hólabyrða also connects the building’s history with a hike to the summit of the mountain.
Nýibær introduces a different type of building: built in 1860, this medium-sized turf farm is an example of a Scandinavian-style turf farm. In contrast to the stone cathedral, it showcases a different construction method. Together, the two buildings convey different aspects of Hólar’s architectural history.
Horse History 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. The permanent exhibition The Icelandic Horse uses stage sets, films, video clips, and objects to convey the historical significance of the horse. Horse history thus complements the site’s ecclesiastical and architectural themes with a distinct cultural focus.
Archaeological finds are also part of Hólar’s history: more than 40,000 objects in total were found during excavations. A selection of the finds is on display in the old schoolhouse. As the exhibition’s availability may vary, check the latest information before visiting.
Hiking Trails for Different Time Budgets
The History Trail (“Söguslóð”) around Hólar is marked, relatively short, and easy, making it suitable for children. The marked hike from Gvendarskál through the Grjótárdalur valley to the summit of Hólabyrða is different: it takes four to six hours and is moderately difficult. This comparison can help you plan: the History Trail is a better option if you have little time for walking, while the summit hike requires more time and involves a moderately difficult route.
Other hiking trails lead from Hólar to Gvendarskál, to the Quarry, and to Mount Elliði. Around Hólar, the trails range from woodland paths to mountain summits. This lets you choose between a short, easy route and named destinations in woodland and mountain landscapes, without assuming that every hike takes the same amount of time or has the same difficulty.
Plan Your Stay
Hólar Camping site is surrounded by woodland that provides shelter. Conditions and services may change, so check the latest information about the campsite before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hvammstangi, Húnavatn, Vidhidalstunga, Laugarbakki, Skagaströnd, Miklibær, Varmahlíð, Hofsós
Return to the regional travel overview: Norðurland Vestra.
