Iceland's Most Famous Church

But make no mistake, the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik, is a huge attraction in its own right. With its vibrant culture, colorful facades and friendly atmosphere, Reykjavik is the place to be. But the awesome landscapes and brilliant city are not mutually exclusive experiences. The view from Reykjavik is stunning and its clear that Icelanders are mostly inspired by their own otherworldly geological formations, mountains and waterfalls. Among Iceland’s and Reykjavik’s many treasures, one stands out not only as a place of worship but as a symbol of Icelandic identity: Hallgrímskirkja. This iconic church, dominating the skyline of Reykjavik, invites travelers from around the globe to explore its unique architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views. If you're planning a trip to Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja should be at the top of your must-visit list. Here's why.

Hallgrímskirkja is not just any church; it's a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Designed by renowned state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the church's construction began in 1945 and took over 40 years to complete, finally opening its doors in 1986. Samúelsson drew inspiration from Iceland's natural beauty, particularly its basalt lava flows, which is evident in the church's striking, columnar facade. The result is a building that appears to be carved from the landscape itself, reaching skyward like the island's volcanic formations. Standing at the foot of the tower and looking up, the façade becomes a grand emblem of heavenly worship and towering landscapes. Guðjón Samúelsson designed many other iconic buildings in Reykjavik, such as the National Theatre, the Sundhöllin swim hall, the Roman Catholic Church of Christ and the University of Iceland’s main building.

The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a revered 17th century Icelandic poet and clergyman known for his "Passion Hymns" (Passíusálmar). The Passion Hymns are a collection of 50 poetic hymns exploring the Passion of Christ. They are to this day a huge and intricate part of the Icelandic language and literary heritage and are widely read and performed publicly. His work, deeply rooted in Icelandic religious tradition and literary heritage, makes the church not just a place of worship but a monument to the nation's cultural identity. Visitors can learn about Hallgrímur's life and works within the church, adding a layer of cultural richness to their visit.

One of the highlights of Hallgrímskirkja is its 74.5-meter-high tower, which offers panoramic views of Reykjavik and its surroundings. This is the highest building in the municipality of Reykjavik and sitting a top the Skólavörðuholt hill, the 360° views truly are unparallel. An elevator ride takes you up most of the way, followed by a few steps to the viewing platform. From there, you can see the colorful rooftops of downtown Reykjavik, the mountains and glaciers across Faxaflói bay, the active volcanic area of Reykjanes and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The view is especially stunning at sunset or during the northern lights, making it a prime spot for photography enthusiasts.

Inside Hallgrímskirkja, visitors will find a magnificent pipe organ, built by the renowned German organ builder Johannes Klais. Installed in 1992, this grand instrument boasts 5,275 pipes and stands over 15 meters tall. Its powerful sound fills the vast, open space of the church, providing an awe-inspiring auditory experience. The church regularly hosts concertsLink opens in a new tab, and the concert series “Organ summer” comes highly recommended over the summer months. The acoustics are certainly unique so musical buffs are especially encouraged to attend a performance at Hallgrímskirkja.

Hallgrímskirkja is more than a tourist attraction; it's a vibrant part of Reykjavik's community life. It hosts various cultural eventsLink opens in a new tab, including art exhibitions, choral performances, and lectures. The church's role as a cultural hub ensures that it remains a lively, welcoming place for both locals and visitors. But it is also an important place of worship for the people of Reykjavik and regularly hosts those big moments in human lives, such as funerals and weddings. When closed for private events, the timings are clearly posted at the entrance and visitors are ushered accordingly.

Hallgrímskirkja is located at Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavik, and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Most Icelanders will have never seen or heard of this address as the top of the hill is always called Skólavörðuholt and Hallgrímskirkja shares its address with only one other building: the Einar Jónsson MuseumLink opens in a new tab. After walking up the rainbow street of Skólavörðustígur to the plaza in front of Hallgrímskirkja, look right. You’ll see an imposing and curious looking building which is in fact the Museum of sculptor Einar Jónsson. This museum is well worth a visit as Icelandic sculptor Einar Jónsson was truly a unique artist and his own house and studio which became the museum after his death, is in all honesty, one of the strangest, if not spookiest buildings in Iceland. Be sure to walk around the sculpture garden behind the museum, a real favorite among locals in Reykjavik. The image above is by photographer Vigfús Birgisson.

Hallgrímskirkja is open to visitors every day, though hours can vary depending on church services and events. General opening hoursLink opens in a new tab over the summer months is 9-20 and over the winter it’s 10-17, although access to the tower is usually closed 30 minutes earlier. There is a small fee to access the tower, but entry to the church itself is free. Be sure to check the church's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and event schedules and make sure to catch a concert or church service if you can. It’s an experience in its own right.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, a traveler seeking breathtaking views, or simply need a place to pray, meditate and worship, Hallgrímskirkja offers something for everyone. Its unique design, cultural significance, and stunning vistas make it an unforgettable part of any Icelandic adventure. So, as you plan your journey to Iceland, make sure Hallgrímskirkja is on your itinerary. Your trip to Reykjavik won't be complete without experiencing the grandeur and beauty of this iconic landmark.