Hallgrimskirkja Church, or Hallgrímskirkja as it's known in Icelandic, is Reykjavik’s tallest and most recognizable landmark. Blending modernist architecture with natural Icelandic design, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Whether you’re taking in the views from its observation tower, admiring its basalt-inspired design, or attending a church concert in Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland for a reason, and is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Reykjavik with kids, couples, or solo travelers.
What Is Hallgrímskirkja Church?
Hallgrímskirkja is a functioning Lutheran church in Reykjavik and a cultural monument named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman.
Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, this famous Reykjavik church took over 40 years to complete and is now a top attraction in Reykjavik.
The dramatic design of Hallgrímskirkja was inspired by the basalt columns at Svartifoss Waterfall, a stunning natural feature found in Skaftafell National Park along Iceland’s scenic South Coast.
Its 74.5-meter-high tower makes Hallgrímskirkja the tallest church in Iceland and offers panoramic views across the Reykjavik skyline, Faxaflói Bay, and Mount Esja.
Inside, the minimalist design features tall arches, natural light, and a world-renowned pipe organ in Reykjavik. The 15-meter-high organ has 5,275 pipes and is used in regular concerts and services.
Outside the church stands one of the most famous statues of one of Iceland’s most historical figures, Leifur Eiríksson, by American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder; Eiríksson was a Norse explorer from Iceland who discovered the continent of North America in the year 1000, more than half a millennium before Christopher Columbus.
The statue was a gift from the United States in 1930, on the millennial anniversary of Iceland’s legislative body, the Alþingi, founded in Þingvellir in 930 AD. This was the world’s first democratically elected parliament and is now located in Reykjavík.
History of Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja was designed in 1937 by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who envisioned a structure that would mirror Iceland’s natural basalt column formations.
The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century Lutheran minister and author of the famed Passion Hymns, a cornerstone of Icelandic religious literature.
Key Milestones:
-
1937 – Design by Guðjón Samúelsson commissioned.
-
1945 – Construction begins after WWII.
-
1948 – Crypt beneath the choir is consecrated.
-
1974 – Steeple and wings completed.
-
1986 (26 October) – Nave finished; entire church completed and consecrated.
The church was built in phases over four decades, making it one of the most ambitious construction projects in Icelandic ecclesiastical history. Today, it serves both as a house of worship and one of the most photographed attractions in Iceland.
Where Is Hallgrímskirkja Church Located?
Hallgrímskirkja is located at Hallgrímstorg 1, in central Reykjavik. It is around the upper end of Skólavörðustígur Street, one of Reykjavik’s most artistic and colorful streets, home to local boutiques and Icelandic design stores.
Its location makes it a central part of the Reykjavik city center and an easy walking destination from nearby hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Hallgrímskirkja Concerts and Seasonal Events
Hallgrímskirkja is not only a religious and architectural icon—it’s also a thriving cultural venue. Thanks to its world-renowned acoustics and impressive pipe organ, the church hosts regular concerts throughout the year.
Notable Events and Performances:
-
Summer Organ Concert Series (June to August): Features weekly performances by acclaimed Icelandic and international organists.
-
Advent and Christmas Concerts: Held in late November and December, featuring choirs, classical ensembles, and candlelight ambiance.
-
Festival of Sacred Music: Occasionally hosted in collaboration with local and Nordic musicians.
Check the official Hallgrímskirkja website for current concert schedules, especially if visiting during holidays or festival periods.
How Can I Get To Hallgrímskirkja?
Hallgrímskirkja is within walking distance of most Reykjavik city hotels, located on Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík.
Visitors arriving by public transportation or on foot can access the church easily from the downtown area. There are also hop-on-hop-off Reykjavik bus tours that stop directly in front of the church.
For those arriving by car in Iceland, parking at Hallgrímskirkja is straightforward thanks to a free parking lot located right beside the building. Spaces are available on both sides of the church, but they can fill up quickly during busy times of day and peak travel seasons. If the lot is full, visitors can use nearby paid parking areas within a short walking distance of the city center.
Is There Anything Else Nearby?
Yes, Hallgrímskirkja sits in one of the most lively areas of downtown Reykjavik. Here are some things to do near Hallgrímskirkja:
-
Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden – Right behind the church, ideal for art lovers.
-
Ásmundarsalur is an art space featuring a local hidden gem café.
-
Skólavörðustígur Street (Rainbow Street) – A colorful pedestrian street popular for photos, shopping, and café culture.
-
Tjörnin Pond – Great for feeding ducks and people-watching.
-
Laugavegur Street – Reykjavik’s main shopping and nightlife corridor.
-
Perlan Museum and Viewing Platform – A short drive or walk away.
Photography Tips for Visiting Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most photogenic landmarks in Reykjavik, especially when approached from Skólavörðustígur Street or viewed from a drone-friendly height.
Best Times for Photography:
-
Golden Hour (early morning or late evening): Soft, diffused lighting enhances the contours of the church’s lava-inspired facade.
-
Winter mornings (December–February): Low sun angles cast dramatic shadows and often provide snow-dusted surroundings.
-
After dark (October–March): The church is beautifully illuminated, and northern lights may occasionally appear in the background.
Recommended Angles:
-
Frontal view from Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur) for iconic symmetry.
-
Elevated shot from the tower for panoramic cityscapes.
-
Low-angle wide lens at sunrise or sunset to emphasize the vertical reach of the facade.
Tours to Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrímskirkja is a regular feature on guided tours in Reykjavik and is easily added to any self-drive itinerary in Iceland. Explore this architectural wonder and its surroundings with the following top-rated options:
Day Tours
-
Walking Tour of Reykjavik – Discover Reykjavik’s highlights, including Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and City Hall with a local guide.
-
Reykjavik Sightseeing Bus Tour – Flexible hop-on-hop-off service stopping at Hallgrímskirkja and other landmarks.
Vacation Packages
Choose from vacation packages in Iceland that offer flexible time in the capital for sightseeing, including Hallgrímskirkja and other family-friendly or cultural activities.
Practical Information: Visiting Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik
If you're planning to visit Hallgrímskirkja Church in central Reykjavik, this guide covers all essential visitor details, including opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility, and nearby amenities.
Location
Located at the top of Skólavörðustígur Street in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja Church stands at Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
Opening Hours
Hallgrímskirkja Church:
May to September: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
October to April: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tower Access:
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Closed on Sundays during church services from 10:30 AM to 12:15 PM.
Opening hours may vary during holidays and special events.
Admission Fees
-
Church Entry: Free
-
Tower Access:
-
Adults: 1,000 ISK
-
Children (ages 7–16): 100 ISK
-
Children under 7: Free
-
Tickets for the tower are sold on-site at the church gift shop.
For the latest updates and prices, visit the official Hallgrímskirkja website.
Accessibility
-
The main church hall is wheelchair accessible.
-
An elevator takes visitors to the 8th floor of the tower.
-
A short staircase is required to reach the open-air viewing platform, which is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitor Amenities
-
Gift and souvenir shop inside the church
-
Public restrooms
-
Numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby
-
Paid street parking available in designated city parking zones
Conclusion: A Must-See Landmark in Reykjavik
Whether you're visiting Reykjavik for a day or using the city as a base for exploring Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja Church is an essential stop on your itinerary. With its breathtaking architecture, sweeping views from the tower, and central location near top attractions, it's one of the best places to experience the spirit of Iceland’s capital.
After visiting Hallgrímskirkja, consider exploring more of the city’s cultural and scenic highlights with this comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Reykjavik. From museums and street art to hot dog stands and harbor walks, this article offers everything you need to round out your Reykjavik adventure.
Hallgrímskirkja isn’t just a church, it’s a symbol of Iceland’s artistic vision, religious heritage, and deep connection to nature. Make sure to add it to your Reykjavik must-see list.
