Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church on Hallgrímstorg in central Reykjavík, known for its tall concrete tower and stepped facade. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson drew on Iceland’s basalt formations for the design. Inside, the bright, restrained space has a large pipe organ; the tower elevator leads to a viewing level above the city. From there, you can look across Reykjavík’s colourful rooftops towards the ocean and surrounding mountains. Entry to the church is free, while access to the tower requires a ticket. A statue of Leif Erikson stands outside.
A church inspired by Icelandic geology
Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church on a hill in central Reykjavík. Its tall tower is visible across much of the city, and the building’s stepped concrete exterior gives it a distinctive outline. The design by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson takes cues from the column-like shapes formed when lava cools into basalt, a feature of Iceland’s landscapes.
Construction began in 1945 and the church was completed in 1986, 41 years later. It is named for Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman known for the Passion Hymns. The building’s modern design is very different from the ornate churches some visitors may expect, so come for its scale, clean lines and connection to Iceland’s natural forms.
Inside the church
The interior is spacious and pared back, with a bright, quiet atmosphere. Its most prominent feature is a large pipe organ, installed in 1992. The instrument stands 15 metres tall and has 5,275 pipes. It is used for services and concerts, and its scale makes it a natural point of focus even when it is not playing.
Hallgrímskirkja is an active place of worship, so visitors should be mindful of services and any requests for silence. Entry to the church itself is free. A small shop inside sells postcards.
The tower and the statue outside
An elevator takes visitors up the tower to a viewing level. The panorama includes Reykjavík’s colourful rooftops, the ocean and mountains around the city. The tower ticket is separate from entry to the church; the supplied information does not give a current price, so check the church’s website before your visit.
In the square in front of the church stands a statue of Leif Erikson. It was given by the United States in 1930, before construction of the church began. You can also admire Hallgrímskirkja from the plaza without buying a tower ticket. Early or late visits can help you avoid some of the crowds, and the church’s listed visiting hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily.
FAQ
Is Hallgrímskirkja free to visit?
Entry to the church is free. You need a separate ticket to take the elevator up the tower.
Can you go up the Hallgrímskirkja tower?
Yes. An elevator takes visitors to a viewing level with views over Reykjavík, the ocean and surrounding mountains. Tower access requires a ticket.
What is there to see inside Hallgrímskirkja?
The church has a spacious, simple interior and a large pipe organ with 5,275 pipes. The organ is used for services and concerts.
Who is the statue outside Hallgrímskirkja?
It depicts Leif Erikson. The United States gave the statue to Iceland in 1930, before construction of the church began.
