The color alone of Stafkirkjan (Stave Church) on Heimaey island is a beautiful and stark contrast against the moss-covered lava and ocean in the area. What’s even more surprising is the inside of the church.

This all-black church is a beautiful example of traditional Norwegian architecture, and it's one of the few remaining stave churches in Iceland. The church was built in 2000 and is made entirely of wood, with intricate carvings and details that make it a remarkable work of art.

Stafkirkjan was built in the year 2000 to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland being a Christian nation. It’s a replica of the first church in the Westman Islands that was built before the year 1,000 and was sent by the King of Norway at the time Ólafur Tryggvason.

A few times a year, mass is held here but it is mostly used for events, such as weddings. There’s also a tradition of holding masses to commemorate the beginning and end of the Heimaey eruption.