Kunoy Church stands as a fine example of traditional Faroese timber construction. Built in 1867, it reflects skilled craftsmanship and strong local commitment. More than 150 years later, it continues to serve the village community.
Builders began construction on 20 May 1867 and completed the church just five months later, on 17 October 1867. Local carpenters from Kunoy carried out the entire project. They carefully selected high-quality timber and rejected any wood with defects larger than 1½ inches.
Símun from Suðuri in Haraldssund led the construction. He crafted the pulpit, window frames, and other interior details. Around the same time, he also supervised the building of Klaksvík Church, which gave him valuable experience for the project in Kunoy.
At first, the church did not have an altarpiece or a chandelier. The fishermen of Kunoy sold fish to raise funds for these important additions. Faktor Djurhuus in Klaksvík arranged the purchase of both items.
On 1 December 1867, parish priest Ernst Bugislaus Wesenberg consecrated Kunoy Church on the first Sunday of Advent. The ceremony marked an important and joyful moment for the village.
An inspection on 14 July 1868 described the church as 22 alen long (approximately 12 metres) and 11 alen wide (about 6 metres). The building featured a slate roof, an arched ceiling, and painted interiors both inside and out. Inspectors described it as spacious and elegant.
On 13 April 1992, the Government of the Faroe Islands officially declared the church and its churchyard protected as historical monuments. Despite its protected status, Kunoy Church remains an active place of worship and community gathering today.
Source: J.P. Gregoriussen, “Eldru Hválvkirkjurnar”
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.
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