Sauðanes on Langanes
It is believed that a church has stood at Sauðanes since the 12th century. The clergy residence at Sauðanes (Sauðaneshús) was constructed in 1879, and Sauðanes Church in 1889. The old clergy house is the oldest stone house in Þingeyjarsýsla and is made of stone that was transported from afar and carved on site.
Reverend Vigfús Sigurðsson (1811-1889) arrived at Sauðanes in 1869, having previously served at Svalbarð in Þistilfjörður. He had an apartment building made of carved stone built for himself between 1879 and 1881, one of the few stone-laid houses in the country at the time.
Large whale bones, washed ashore in Langanesfjörur, were used in the construction of outdoor furniture and doors. After Rev. Vigfús passed away, Rev. Arnljótur Ólafsson (1823-1904) took over at Sauðanes and served until his death. He was nationally known for his political and literary work.
The old apartment building was last inhabited in 1955 and was then repurposed as a new clergy residence, not far from the original one.
Sauðanes was previously in the heart of the settlement on Langanes, but there have been significant population movements in recent centuries. Sauðanes has been a documented and sought-after clergy residence throughout the ages, with significant amenities such as fisheries for salmon and seals.
Please visit Cultural Center of Þingeyingar’s website for more information.
