Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Reykjavik, its towering concrete facade rising 74.5 metres above the colourful rooftops of the Icelandic capital. Named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church took 38 years to complete and stands as a defining symbol of modern Icelandic identity and architectural ambition.

History

The commission for a new Lutheran church for Reykjavik was awarded to architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937. His expressionist design, inspired by the basalt lava flows and geological formations of Iceland, was groundbreaking for its time. Construction began in 1945 and proceeded incrementally over nearly four decades, with the church finally consecrated in 1986. The statue of Leifur Eiríksson in front of the church was a gift from the United States to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Icelandic parliament.

What to See

The tower elevator offers panoramic views across Reykjavik and on clear days extends to the surrounding mountains and ocean. Inside, the minimalist Lutheran interior focuses attention on the massive 5,275-pipe organ installed in 1992. The distinctive stepped-basalt exterior columns are best viewed from the long approach along Skólavörðustígur street. Organ concerts are held regularly throughout the year.

Getting There

Hallgrímskirkja sits at the top of Skólavörðustígur, the main shopping and gallery street of downtown Reykjavik, easily walkable from most city centre hotels. The church is open daily with a small admission fee for the tower. It is approximately 45 minutes by bus from Keflavik International Airport.

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