Hallgrimskirkja
Church · Reykjavik
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Highlights
Soaring rocket-shaped church with tower views, giant organ
Soaring rocket-shaped church with tower views, giant organ
"This towering Lutheran church is one of the city's most iconic, free-to-view landmarks and a budget-friendly stop for architecture lovers visiting Reykjavik." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The country’s largest church and a must-see landmark that stands out on the skyline, offering a striking architectural visit well suited to solo sightseeing in Reykjavik." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Best chance to see the northern lights, with options for whale-watching tours and nearby hot springs." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s
"A towering Expressionist-style church noted for its dramatic architecture and commanding height (244 feet); entry to the main church is free, and for a modest fee visitors can climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city layout and surrounding nature on clear days." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Hallgrímskirkja You can’t miss Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík ’s 240-foot-tall, rocket-shaped church, which soars above the city skyline and is illuminated at night. Designed by famed national architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, and inspired less by outer space than by Iceland ’s picturesque basalt rock formations, the church took over 40 years to construct, finally opening in 1986. The statue outside the church doors is of Leifur Eiríksson, the first European to discover continental North America, 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The church interior is well worth a visit, if only to admire the giant organ, which has over 5,000 pipes and was designed and constructed by German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn. You can also take the elevatorto the church’s tower for magnificentviews over Reykjavík’s colorful rooftops."
