Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja after sunset. Photo
Trey Ratcliff.
Exterior at dusk. Photo
Tom Borton. 
Hallgrímskirkja soars over Reykjavik rooftops. Photo © Stephan Lau.
Interior view of Hallgrímskirkja, looking east. Photo © Josh Glaser.
The nave features glacier-inspired pillars. Photo
Nic McPhee.
Graceful interior vaulting recalling an ice cave. Photo
Patrick Williams.
Hallgrímskirkja from the southeast. Photo © Stephan Lau.
Location map and aerial view of Hallgrimskirkja. For a larger interactive view, see our Reykjavik Map.
Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrim's Church) in Reykjavik is the tallest and most striking church in Iceland.
History
A Lutheran parish church, Hallgrimskirkja is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-74), author of the beloved Passíusálmar ("Hymns of the Passion") and other works. He was one of the most influential pastors during the Age of Orthodoxy and wrote many important Lutheran hymns.
The modern Nordic design of Hallgrimskirkja is the work of state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed Reykjavik's Landakotskirkja and the Akureyrarkirkju in Akureyri. The church took 38 years to build (1945-86), the tower being completed long before the church's actual completion.
What to See
Rising 74.5 m (244 ft), Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Iceland. It is situated in the city center and has become one of Reykjavík's best known symbols. The church has a stylized concrete exterior inspired by the distinctive basalt formations found throughout Iceland.
Hallgrimskirkja's interior is more traditional, but its modern-meets-Gothic lines are still reminiscent of ice formations and the smooth vault reminds one of an ice cave. There is little decoration, in line with Lutheran tradition. The most famous feature of the interior is the huge organ built in Germany in 1992, boasting a 50-foot-tall case and 5,275 pipes.
The bell tower, accessible via an elevator, provides the best views in the city. The three bells in the tower represent Hallgrímur, his wife, and their daughter who died young.
The statue in front of the church is of Leif Eríkson, an Icelandic/Norwegian explorer and the first European thought to have landed in North America. The monument was a gift from the United States for the 1930 Althing Millennial Festival, which marked the 1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Hallgrimskirkja; Hallgrim's Church; Church of Hallgrímur |
| Dedicated to: | Hallgrímur Pétursson |
| Location: | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Lutheran |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1945-83 |
| Architect: | Guðjón Samúelsson |
| Architecture: | Modern |
| Size: | Height: 74.5 m (244 ft) |
| Features: | Largest |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 64.141889° N, 21.927339° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Skólavörðuholti, 121 Reykjavík |
| Phone: | +354 510 1000 |
| Website: | www.hallgrimskirkja.is |
| Hours: | Daily 9am-5pm |
| Cost: | Church: suggested donation 50kr. Elevator to tower: 350kr adults; 50kr children. |
| Services: | Sung services Sun 11am, Wed 8am |
Travel Resources for Reykjavik
- 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
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgríms Church) - Frommer's Iceland
- Hallgrímskirkja - Wikipedia
- Hallgrimskirkja Church - Visit Reykjavik
- Fodor's Scandinavia, 11th ed.
More Information
- Travel Reviews of Hallgrimskirkja - TripAdvisor
- Hallgrímur Pétursson - Wikipedia
- Leif Ericson - Wikipedia
Article last updated: 08/02/2009.
