When walking along the lake, it is almost impossible to escape the sight of this historic religious building.
Founded in the autumn of 1899, the Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík congregation initially housed 600 members, whose numbers grew rapidly. Interestingly, it was not a theological dispute that inspired the founding of this independent Lutheran church, but rather a desire for a church organization closer to the people. The growing population of Reykjavík, marked by the flourishing of craft businesses, merchant shops and newly emerging urban districts, made it clear that Reykjavík Cathedral was no longer sufficient to meet the spiritual needs of the city.
The emergence of Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík was a sign of change, an echo of the Icelandic immigrant communities in North America and the churches in Norway. Its aim was to make faith and spiritual community more accessible to everyone. Just a few years after its foundation, the congregation found the ideal location for its sacred building on the eastern shore of Lake Tjörnin.
The church, which was consecrated on February 22, 1903, is not only a testimony to deep spirituality, but also an impressive example of architecture and craftsmanship. Under the hands of the architect Rögnvaldur Ólafsson and the master builder Guðmundur H. Þorláksson, the church has undergone various extensions and adaptations over the years.