Hallgrimskirkja
The soaring concrete church that towers over Reykjavik - a modern landmark inspired by basalt columns, with a tower view over the city.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Hallgrimskirkja is the great landmark of Reykjavik, a soaring pale concrete church rising over seventy metres on a hill above the city, its stepped, wing-like facade inspired by the basalt columns of Iceland's lava landscapes. A statue of Leif Erikson stands before it, and a lift climbs the tower for the best view over the colourful rooftops of the capital.
What you actually see
- The facade - the stepped, wing-like front inspired by basalt columns.
- The tower view - the lift up for the panorama over Reykjavik's rooftops.
- The interior and organ - the light nave and the great pipe organ.
- The Leif Erikson statue - the Viking explorer before the church.
When to go
Year-round; a clear day for the best tower view over the city and mountains. The church is free to enter, and concerts on the organ are a treat.
Honest expectations
The tower is a paid lift and can queue in season. The interior is austere and modern rather than ornate. It is a landmark and a viewpoint rather than a long visit.
Nearby
The main shopping street Laugavegur and the old town are downhill; the Harpa concert hall is by the harbour.
What to pack for Hallgrimskirkja
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
