Icelandic Architecture and Religion
This church is an incredible example of Icelandic architecture and religion. Throughout our travels we came across many churches in the Westfjords and the northern drive. It was not often, at least in September, that the churches would be open. When they were open, we were always amazed at the beautiful colors and architectureal details inside an often simple exterior. The Church at the Skógar Museum was every bit and more of what we hoped for.
The old curches we frequently saw were simple in that they were rectangular with three windows on each side (four if the church was a bigger one) and a peak in the front over the door. This church was no exception. As we walked in, it was like entering another world. This church was perhaps the most colorful and ornate of all of the places we had visisted. Being under care of a museum has its benefits as well as far as upkeep goes. The first thing we noticed was the purple peaked ceiling with the lighter purple cross beams. The pews were a rouge color and the walls were a bluish green. The wood that was left bare was carved or shaped and varnished to protect the natural beauty.
A trip up to the balcony through the narrow stairwell was rewarded with a bird's eye view of the whole church as well as a peek into the structural beams holding the roof up. From here, I recognised the candle holders on the wall as matching a set in the Skógar Folk Museum next door.
