Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik

The grand Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland, and one of the tallest buildings in Iceland. It’s become a sort of guardian to the city of Reykjavik, proudly standing at 244 ft tall. Plans for its construction took place in 1945, but it took an extra 38 years until it was completed! Its iconic Sci-Fi adjacent shape and aesthetic has made it a true symbol of Reykjavik, if not the whole of Iceland. The distinctive concrete exterior was built to mirror the natural landscape of Iceland itself, specifically the intricate basalt formations commonly found throughout the country.

Where can I find Hallgrimskirkja?

It rests atop Skólavörðuhæð hill in the centre of Reykjavík - you can see this mammoth structure from almost everywhere in Reykjavik, so I wouldn’t worry too much about not being able to find it!

New Year’s Eve is considered to be one of the best times to visit Hallgrimskirkja. Everyone makes their way to the square in front of the church to take part in one big communal celebration. There’s usually a huge fireworks display in Reykjavik as part of the festivities – seeing Hallgrimskirkja lit up by the light of the fireworks is truly an unbelievable sight. A trip to Iceland isn’t complete without visiting Hallgrimskirkja!

  • Open Monday to Saturday: 11 am-4 pm
  •  Open Sunday: 10am-4pm

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