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Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik

4.4

#1 of 1,202 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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20,660 reviews

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4.5

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5.0

225 likes

• By maexle

  Vor allem von aussen und schon von weitem ein bemerkenswertes und auffallendes Bauwerk (wie übigens viele andere Kirchen in island auch). Innen großteils schlicht, aber hell. Auf den Turm geht ein Auf...  more »

  Especially from the outside and from afar a remarkable and striking building (like many other churches in iceland). Inside, mostly simple, but bright. The tower is accessto an elevator (around 8 euros), where you can enjoy a truly magnificent all-round view. In fine weather absolutely recommended !
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• By fritziikal

  Kirche eben, schöne Aussicht über die ganze Stadt, sehr hoch, gut dass es einen Aufzug gibt. Tipp: gesamtes Gebäude von der Seitenstrasse am besten ablichten :-)  more »

  Church just, beautiful view over the whole city, very high, good that there is an elevator. Tip: the best picture of the entire building from the side street :-)
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• By Dorota NM

  The church looks amazing and is perfectly placed in Reykjavik. It creates splendid landscapes from many places in the city. It is not so common to see such beautiful modern church.

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• By SeFok Chan

  Concrete in the service of God. The facade and some of the exterior of the church is made of concrete columns which seem to allude to Iceland's magmatic geology. They evoke the column wear basalts found in many places in Iceland. The shape of the facade reminds one of the front of a Viking boat. The interior of the church is rather plain and austere. It has however a magnificent organ. The beautiful sound of organ is a good reason to visit this church.

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