One of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavík is definitely the Lutheran Church, Hallgrímskirkja.
This church, which took 41 years to build, is known for being the tallest building in Reykjavík standing tall at 73 metres. Hallgrímskirkja is only about four metres shorter than the Smáratorg tower, the tallest building in Iceland.
Not only is this building popular for its height but it is also known for its unconventional architecture as designed by Guðjón Samuelsson, State Architect of Iceland in 1937. Personally, I really think the exterior of the church looks weird and some even declared it to be one of the strangest buildings in the world. However, the cool thing about this church is that its design is inspired by Iceland’s natural beauty.
“Many of Guðjón’s works carry strong references to Icelandic nature, particularly the basalt columns formed when a thick lava flow cools slowly into a polygonal joint pattern. The wings and the steeple of Hallgrímskirkja therefore look like cliffs of basalt columns,” –Iceland Magazine, Oct. 28, 2015
The interior design of the church is similar to its exterior but more beautiful, I would say. It’s simple, clean, and easy to the eyes. Its interior is definitely far from the interiors of the basilicas or cathedrals I’ve seen in London and Venice but still beautifully intricate in its own way.
With it being the tallest building in Reykjavík, it only follows that one gets the best view of the city from the top of Hallgrímskirkja. For 900 ISK (as of Jan. 2016), one can take the elevator up the building. Here’s the view from the top:
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I would love to visit Iceland one day. This place looks so amazing ! I havent read much abiut it in other blogs, so bow want to visit it even more !
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We have seen and heard about Lutheran Church so many times! We would love to climb to the top and soak in the beautiful view of the city! We have never seen the inside of the church until your post. The inside looks beautiful too.
Some great photos, and what a lovely church. It looks a nice place to visit if we ever manage to do Iceland.
Fantastic blog and what a fascinating church. For some (obvious) reason, I can only see a rocket ship every time I look at it.
The views from Hallgrímskirkja were spectacular and super windy when I went. I didn’t get to hear the organ play which I heard is beautiful, next time!
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WOW – your pictures are amazing. Great post!
I’ve seen lots of photos of Hallgrímskirkja from my friends who have visited Iceland but this is the first time I’ve seen the interior too. I like that the architect was inspired by the nature of Iceland. And what an amazing view of Reikjavic from the top!
How did I miss seeing this church when I was in Reykjavík??? I would have loved to see the city from the top. Did you happen to hear anyone play the organ? I bet it sounds beautiful.
I agree. The church looks a little bizarre but once you understand that it is supposed to reflect nature, it is a little easier to understand. I love the views from the top. I have to say I am totally surprised by how flat the land is. I always imagined Iceland absolutely full of mountains.
Aw this brings back great memories of when I was in Iceland. I think everyone visits this church in the capital, and quite rightly so. I agree it’s not as impressive as the basilicas in Italy, but simplicity can be beautiful too.
This church is definitely unique. I had no idea that it was designed after the landscapes of Iceland and that it is the tallest building in Reykjavik. I always look for the best views of a city and this one certainly takes the cake!
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Great views from the top! I didn’t actually pay to go up when I visited in December last year – it was already nearly getting dark at 2pm, and we didn’t have much daylight left. But when I go back to Iceland (hopefully in a summer month), I’d definitely like to go up there 🙂 x
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I have seen several pictures of this church on Instagram but I did not know its name. The architecture is quite unique I’d have to say! It is fairly simple from the inside but the views from the top are amazing! Given that it is the tallest building in Reykjavik, it would make sense to go to the top for the views of the city.
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I grew up in the Lutheran church, however I have never seen a church as beautiful as this one in Iceland. The view from the top overlooking the landscape looked amazing. The quaint little town below sitting next to the water reminded me of my New England trip. I find my favorite vacations are located near water with lots of history. I will be adding Iceland to my bucket of future travels. Happy Traveling!
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