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Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik

4.4

#1 of 1,204 in Things to do in Iceland

Church Tourist Spot Must See

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An unusual-looking church, the design of Hallgrimskirkja was inspired by the forms created when lava cools into basalt rock. The church was designed by Gudjon Samuel in 1937 and constructed between 1945 and 1986. The tower, at 73 m (239.5 ft) tall, dominates Reykjavik's skyline. The view from the top looks out over the entire city, plus the rocky, volcanic landscape and the sea beside the capital. Inside the church, listen to the melodies wafting from the enormous, 25-ton pipe organ. A statue of Leifur Ericsson, the first European to reach America, stands directly outside the strange edifice. A visit to Hallgrimskirkja represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Reykjavik online travel route planner to plot your vacation.

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Hallgrimskirkja Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

21,341 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

5.0

225 likes

• By 412gemmaw

  What a way to bring in the New Year. Cold but sensational. Fireworks infront of this wonderful church overlooking the beautiful city. No formal organisation and a little crazy but that makes it even.....  more »

• By X5484EJdons

  The cathedral at first appears very austere, but it is quite beautiful. The shape is very accurately copies the basalt rock formations of the south coast of Iceland. It is good to view it several...  more »

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Google

• By max tonyu

  A sight to see. This modern church built out of concrete really impressed me. Entering inside is a must to see the altar but also a visit to the top will give you a 360 view of the city, the airports, glaciers, ocean, and fjords. Beautiful.

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• By Gordon Gordon

  Beautiful views over the whole city. Well recommended. It costs about £6 per adult. Didn't get to see the inside of the church as there was a private ceremony taking place.

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