One of Iceland’s most iconic and breathtaking landmarks is Hallgrímskirkja church. This isn’t just any church; it’s a symbol of Icelandic identity, a fusion of history, and a beautiful architectural design that speaks volumes about the island’s unique character. Later on, in my random fact of the episode, I share who this church is named after.
Ask Jewells Anything
Before I jump in, I am excited to share that I have created a form where my listeners and followers can submit questions for the “Ask Jewells About Iceland” podcast episodes I plan to do. Here is he link to submit your question.
The Towering Presence in Reykjavík's Skyline
Perched on the scenic hilltop of Skólavörðuholt, Hallgrímskirkja stands tall at 74.5 meters (244 ft), making it not only the largest church in Iceland but also one of the tallest structures in the country. Its visibility throughout Reykjavík turns it into a landmark for those meandering through the city’s streets.
A Church was Commissioned by the Icelandic Government
Althingi, or the Icelandic Parliament, put forth a design competition for a church in 1929. The only specifications were that it had to seat 1,200 people and have a high tower that can possibly be used for radio signal transmissions.
A Design Inspired by Nature
The church’s design, a masterpiece by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson, was commissioned in 1937. Samúelsson drew inspiration from the stunning Icelandic landscape. The church’s exterior mimics the fascinating basalt columns found in places around the country, like on Reynisfjara black sand beach or Svartifoss waterfall. Overall, the design is meant to depict the mountains and glaciers of Iceland soaring up through imitations of hexagonal basalt columns.
The building of the church started in 1945 and the first stage of it was complete in 1948. However, only the ground floor of the back of the church was consecrated for service. The whole church was consecrated in on October 26th, 1986. This happen to be the day before death of Hallgrímur Petursson’s death and the same year Reykjavik was celebrating 200 years of being a town and city.
Hallgrímskirka is an Example of Expressionist Architecture
If you’re a fan of expressionist architecture, you’ll spot similarities in the interior of Hallgrímskirkja church with Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen and the Kirche am Hohenzollernplatz in Berlin.
Along with designing this iconic church, Samúelsson is also responsible for designing the National Theater, the Roman Catholic Church in Reykjavik, and the main building of the University of Iceland.
Inside Hallgrímskirkja: A Harmony of Art and Spirituality
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a serene yet powerful atmosphere. The interior, spanning 1,676 square meters, is a blend of traditional and modern design elements, evoking a sense of grandeur and reverence.
The Sound of Music: An Organist's Dream
Music enthusiasts, rejoice! Hallgrímskirkja houses not one, but two large pipe organs. The crown jewel is the Johannes Klais of Bonn organ, featuring electronic action, 102 ranks, 72 stops, and a staggering 5275 pipes.
Standing 15 meters tall and weighing 25 metric tons, it’s an instrument that not only plays music but also tells a story of artistic brilliance. The organ was financed through private gifts. I think there are some pipes that people can “purchase” and once it is bought, you receive a certificate that you are a patron of a particular pipe.
An Observation Tower with a View
For the best views of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains, take the lift to the church’s observation tower. It’s not just a church; it’s a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and beyond. Entrance into the church is free of charge but if you want to access the tower, you have to pay 1400 ISK for adults and 200 ISK for children. There are discounts for seniors and groups of 10 or more.
A Tribute to a Legendary Explorer
Outside of the church, the statue of Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States, stands proudly. This sculpture not only honors the legendary Icelandic explorer but also commemorates a millennium of parliamentary history in Iceland.
Why Visit Hallgrímskirkja?
Hallgrímskirkja is more than just a church; it’s a testament to Iceland’s rich history, unique geography, and artistic innovation. Whether you’re captivated by its architectural splendor, moved by its spiritual significance, or simply in awe of its commanding presence, this Reykjavík landmark is a must-visit.
It’s a piece of living history that connects the past with the present, a place where art, culture, and nature converge in a truly Icelandic fashion.
If you would like to experience a mass at the church, you are more than welcome to do that as well but you are asked to please be respectful because this is a religious ceremony. There are often concerts at the church and during certain hours or occasions the church or the tower are not available for use. I have those times in the description of this episode on my website allthingsiceland.com.
The acoustics in the church are amazing, and you can find tickets to concerts on tix.is.
Random Fact of the Episode
The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, one of the best-known poets in Iceland. He lived from 1614-1674. According to the website about the church, this is the following is known information about Hallhgrímur.
“When still a child, his father moved to the Bishop’s residence at Hólar in Hjaltadalur in the north of Iceland and Hallgrímur there received education. He was apprenticed as a blacksmith in Copenhagen, but abandoned the trade and studied in the Vor Frue Skole from 1632 to 1637. While there he met Guðríður Símonardóttir, who had been in slavery in Algeria.
Hallgrímur and Guðríður returned to Iceland where Hallgrímur became a priest at Hvalsnes in the Reykjanes peninsula and later at Saurbær in Hvalfjörður. He died in 1674. Hallgrimur is most famous for his Hymns of the Passion, a series of 50 meditations on the martyrdom of Christ, written in 1656-59.
The poems are generally considered to be classic in Icelandic literature. Verses of the poems have accompanied Icelanders for more than three centuries. They are read on national radio during Lent and in many churches on Good Friday. Hymns of the Passion have been translated into nine languages, including Danish, Norwegian, German, Dutch, Hungarian. A new translation into English by Gracia Grindal was published in 2019.”
See Hallgrímskirkja Church and More
Hallgrímskirkja church is only one of the many amazing places in Reykjavík you can check out during your visit. If you want more places, like hidden gems and other fun activities to take part in, you can grab my Iceland map.
Whether you just grab the map or full access, which comes with pre-made itineraries, you will have loads of recommendations for things to do in Reykjavík and around the country. You can find the link to my map in the “Trip Planning Help” tab at the top of the page.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Skólavörðustígur, the street leading up to the church, is “school cairn street”. A cairn is a mound of stones built as a memorial or landmark. In this case it was a landmark for locals.
In 1793, one was placed where the church currently stands to serve as a marker for locals who want to see he sights and get a nice panoramic view of the surrounding area. Cairns were commonly used in Iceland out in the countryside to help people traveling to stay on course.
