Domkirkjan, Reykjavik
The Domkirkjan, an important yet modest little church. Photo
chinook. 
Side view of Reykjavik's Domkirkjan. Photo
Þorsteinn V. Jónsson.
Porch and tower under a full moon. Photo
Óli Jón.
Interior looking west, with galleries and organ loft. Photo
Vintage Lulu.
View to the east end with pulpit and altar. Photo
Vintage Lulu.
Domkirkjan is a small and charming Lutheran church of historical importance in Reykjavik.
History
There has been a church on this site since around 1200 AD. The current church, begun in 1788 and completed in 1796, has played an important role in Icelandic history.
It was in the Domkirkjan that Icelandic independence was first officially endorsed by the Lutheran church of Iceland. Since 1845, members and cabinet ministers of every Alþing parliament have gathered here for a service before the annual session. It was also in this church that Iceland's national anthem (also a hymn) was first sung in 1874.
What to See
The dignified interior of the Domkirkjan has side aisles with upper galleries and a notable baptismal font, donated by the famous 19th-century sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Domkirkjan |
| Location: | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Lutheran |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1788-96 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 64.146657° N, 21.939257° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Phone: | 520-9700 |
| Hours: | Mon-Fri 10am-5pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Travel Resources
- Reykjavik Map - our detailed interactive map of Reykjavik, plus hand-picked links to more
- Reykjavik Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Reykjavik Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Reykjavik Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Reykjavik Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Reykjavik Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Reykjavik tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Domkirkjan. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Reykjavik Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Fodor's Scandinavia, 11th ed.
- Domkirkjan - Nordic Adventure Travel
Article last updated: 08/02/2009.
