Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík, Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Reykjavík. It is a Lutheran parish church, named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Passion Hymns. The church was designed by the state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who drew the plans in 1937; construction began in 1945 and the church was consecrated in 1986. Its striking modern design is inspired by Iceland’s natural landscapes, especially basalt lava columns and glaciers. At 74.5 meters, the tower is one of the tallest structures in the country, and from its hill above the city center Hallgrímskirkja dominates the skyline, serving as both a place of worship and a major tourist attraction.

Location

Hallgrímskirkja is located in the center of Reykjavík, in the district of Miðborg, at the top of Skólavörðuholt hill. Because of its height and central position, it is visible from many parts of the city and is easy to reach on foot from downtown streets such as Laugavegur. Hallgrímskirkja is within walking distance of most central Reykjavík hotels and attractions. From Laugavegur, the walk uphill takes about 10–15 minutes.

Why it is famous

• The church’s stepped concrete façade is designed to resemble cooled basalt columns formed by volcanic lava, a natural feature found throughout Iceland. This makes Hallgrímskirkja a strong architectural symbol of the country.
• The church tower offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Reykjavík, with views over the city’s colorful rooftops, the harbor, surrounding mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The bright, simple nave is crowned by a huge pipe organ built by the German firm Klais and completed in 1992: it is about 15 meters tall, has 5,275 pipes and is regularly played in concerts.
• In front of the church stands a statue of the explorer Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States for the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland’s parliament, the Althing, in 1930 – older than the church itself.

Entrance tickets

• Church interior: entry to the church is free of charge, but access is restricted during services, ceremonies and concerts.
• Tower: a lift takes visitors up to the viewing platform. Tickets cost ISK 1,500 for adults, ISK 1,000 for seniors (67+) and students, and ISK 200 for children aged 7–16; children under 7 go free.
• Tower tickets are sold in the church shop on the day of your visit and cannot be booked in advance.

From September to May the church is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (last tower entry 16:45); in summer it opens from 9:00 to 20:00.