This stunning church with a tower that looks like molten lava is one of Reykjavík’s most renowned landmarks and also serves as a compass point.
The Hallgrimskirkja is an architectural wonder. Designed in 1939 by the late Guðjón Samúelsson, this 1,000-seat church took over 40 years to build. It is an active church with Sunday mass services and some of the best views of the city. The architectural design draws inspiration from shapes of the Icelandic countryside and the façade has the appearance of cooling molten lava from a volcanic eruption.
Located on the hill at Skólavörðuholt, the grandiose 73-metre (240-foot) tower can be seen for 20 kilometres (12 miles) and acts as a great compass point to get your bearings. Step behind the majestic façade into the tranquil nave inundated with natural light. See the impressive German organ, made in 1992, that consists of 5,275 pipes. Hear the organ in action at one of the recitals, recordings and concerts held throughout the summer. You can buy a CD to take home with you.
Take the elevator up to the top of the bell tower and see the awe-inspiring views of the city. Look out over the coloured rooftops of the Old Town and see the panoramic views of the countryside. On clear days these extend to the horizon.
The church was named after the renowned Icelandic poet and clergyman, Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614 – 1674) who was instrumental in Iceland’s conversion to Lutherism. At the front of the church see the statue of Viking Leif Ericson (Leifur Eiríksson). Ericson is famed for travelling to America before Christopher Columbus. In 1930, the United States presented the statue, which was designed by Alexander Stirling, as a gift for the 1,000th anniversary of Icelandic Parliament.
Hallgrimskirkja is situated in Skólavörðuholt, an inner-city area with attractions that are worth exploring. The church is open daily and is free to enter. There is a fee to take the elevator to the tower. During the summer months, fares from visits after 5 p.m. are given to local charities. If visiting in February, see the church dramatically lit up as part of the Winter Lights Festival.
