EAST ICELAND
Bakkagerðiskirkja
Historic village church containing a celebrated Jóhannes S. Kjarval altarpiece depicting Christ preaching from Álfaborg.
ChurchesHistoryCulture
About Bakkagerðiskirkja
Bakkagerðiskirkja was consecrated in 1901 and contains one of the region’s most interesting works of art. Jóhannes S. Kjarval, who grew up in Borgarfjörður Eystri, painted its altarpiece in 1914. The scene depicts Christ delivering the Sermon on the Mount from Álfaborg with Dyrfjöll behind.
Our practical tips
✓Look closely at the altarpiece — the landscape is unmistakably Borgarfjörður Eystri.
✓Combine this with Álfaborg and Lindarbakki.
Getting there and visiting
Visit notes
Interior access may depend on the church being open.