What To Know About Hallgrmskirkja Church In Reykjavik

At 73m (244 ft.) high, the most famous Icelandic church, Hallgrímskirkja, used to be the tallest building in Reykjavík until recently. It remains the city’s tallest church and Reykjavík’s highest structure, the Smáratorg Tower, is in fact only 3.1m (10.1 ft.) taller than the church. This uniquely designed Evangelical Lutheran church is visible throughout Reykjavík, and is said to stand guard over the capital. This is a brief history of Hallgrímskirkja.

The story behind Reykjavík’s (almost) tallest building

Hallgrímskirkja was named after the 17th-century clergyman and renowned poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of the Hymns of the Passion. The church was commissioned in 1937, and was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson. It was thanks to the Icelandic Parliament that Hallgrímskirkja was finally built, however, as rules were announced in 1929 by the parliament specifically stating it should seat 1,200 people and have a high tower so it would be able to transmit radio signals.
Although the church’s landmark high tower was finished before the rest of the church, it took 41 years to complete the whole building. Its final construction was done in 1986, a day before Hallgrímur Pétursson’s death, but Guðjón Samúelsson never got to see it completed as he passed away in 1950.

Design

The church was designed to resemble the Icelandic landscape and remind the viewer of the country’s magnificent glaciers and mountains. The columns on the sides of the tower represent volcanic basalt. Samúelsson was strongly influenced by Scandinavian Modernism, but was also inspired by natural forms. His work often carried references to Icelandic nature, and you can see how the wings on the church resemble cliffs of basalt columns.
Facing the church is a big statue of Viking explorer Leifur Eiríksson, said to be the first European to land in America. It was a present from the US to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Icelandic parliament, Alþingi (Althing), in 1930.
Even though Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most visited places in Reykjavik, its construction was very controversial at the time, and many critics were not supportive of it. Even today it is often ranked as one of the strangest but most beautiful houses of worship in the world.
While the outside design of the church is dramatic, the inside is quite stark, although also impressive. It houses a beautiful pipe organ, which is 15m (49 ft.) tall and weighs 25 tonnes (27.5 tons), with 5,275 pipes giving it quite the sonic punch.

Given the church’s size and history, many believe it to be the cathedral of Reykjavík. However, this is not the case. Reykjavík Cathedral is much smaller and located downtown, next to the house of the Icelandic parliament.

How to visit Hallgrímskirkja

Church

Hallgrimskirkja Tours

While sightseeing in the city, a stop at Hallgrímskirkja and its tower is a must for a panoramic view over the whole of Reykjavík. Entry to the church itself is free to the public, but you do need to purchase tickets to go up to the tower. The view from the top is among the city’s most spectacular, so we do recommend forking out the 1400 ISK (£8). There are discounts for students, over 67s and anyone with a valid disability card. Kids can go up the tower for just 200 ISK (£1).

Check the church website for opening hours, as these do vary throughout the year – expect less access during the cold, dark months of winter – and tourists cannot enter during hours of service, so always check timings in advance.

As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Hallgrímskirkja is also sure to feature on the best Reykjavik walking tours. Visiting with a local guide offers you the chance to get a deeper understanding for the history and cultural value of the church. Most tours of the city stop by, while some may even include entry to the tower.