Kunoy Church – A Historic Timber Landmark
Kunoy Church began construction on May 20, 1867, and was completed just five months later, on October 17, 1867. Local carpenters from Kunoy led the entire building process, selecting only high-quality timber, with no defects larger than 1½ inches.
Símun from Suðuri in Haraldssund served as the project leader. He crafted the pulpit, frames, and windows, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship. Notably, he had also overseen the construction of Klaksvík Church around the same time, bringing valuable experience to the project.
Initially, the church lacked an altarpiece and chandelier. The fishermen of Kunoy supplied fish to finance these additions. Faktor Djurhuus in Klaksvík was responsible for acquiring both the chandelier and the altarpiece.
On December 1, 1867, the parish priest Ernst Bugislaus Wesenberg consecrated Kunoy Church on the first Sunday of Advent, marking a joyful moment for the local community.
A church inspection on July 14, 1868, described the building as 22 alen long (approx. 12 m) and 11 alen wide (approx. 6 m), with a slate roof, an arched ceiling, and painted interiors inside and out, making it spacious and elegant.
More than a century later, on April 13, 1992, the Government of the Faroe Islands officially declared the church and its churchyard protected as a historical monument. Nevertheless, it remains in active use for worship and community life today.
(Source: J.P. Gregoriussen, “Eldru Hválvkirkjurnar”)
Discover more historic churches such as Mikladalur Church and Húsa Church.
Kunoyar kirkja serves the villages of Kunoy and Haraldssund, with regular Sunday services at 12:15.
Parish Council (Kirkjuráð):
For more information, visit the official Fólkakirkjan page for Kunoyar kirkja.
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