About Búðir
Búðir is a small settlement on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, about 175 km from Reykjavík via Route 54 and then Route 574. It is known for two things above all: Búðakirkja, the black-timber church that stands against the lava field and glacier, and the Búðahraun lava field that extends west along the coast.
Despite its size today -- little more than a church, a hotel, and a scattering of history -- Búðir was once the busiest trading post on the south coast of the peninsula. In 1703 over 100 people lived here, and references in the Eyrbyggja Saga suggest the area was commercially active as far back as the settlement era in the 9th century. The name translates as "booths" or "huts," a reference to the trading posts and fishing huts that once defined the place.
Búðakirkja
The black church at Búðir is one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland, particularly with Snæfellsjökull glacier in the background. The original church was built in 1703 by local merchant Bendt Lauridsen, fell into disrepair, and was deconsecrated in 1816. The present church was rebuilt in 1848, largely through the efforts of Steinunn Sveinsdóttir, a merchant's widow who campaigned for its reconstruction despite opposition from national church officials. The door ring bears the inscription: "The church was rebuilt in 1848, with no support from the spiritual leaders." Steinunn is buried in the churchyard.
The church was moved to its current position in 1984 and reconsecrated in 1987. It holds around 50 people and has no heating or running water, but it has become a popular wedding venue. It is open to visitors.
Búðahraun lava field
West of the church lies Búðahraun, a lava field that last flowed from the Búðaklettur crater around 5,000 years ago. It was designated a protected nature reserve in 1977 and is now covered in over 100 species of mosses, flowers, and heather. Hiking trails cross the field and pass the crater, which rises to nearly 90 metres. A cave on the crater's southwestern side, Búðahellir, extends 382 metres. The circular Búðir-Frambúðir-Búðaklettur walk takes one to two hours and includes both the historic site of the old trading post at Frambúðir and the crater.
Getting there and nearby
Búðir is reached by turning off Route 574 about 175 km from Reykjavík. Arnarstapi is about 20 km further west along the coast, where a popular clifftop walk leads to the village of Hellnar. Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and the lifting stones are about 33 km west. Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses the western tip of the peninsula and is accessible from Route 574.
Hotel Búðir is the main accommodation at the site, with a restaurant focused on local lamb and fish.
