⛪ Hallgrímskirkja (Reykjavík)
Iceland
About This Sacred Site
Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and one of the tallest structures in the country at 74.5 meters. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937 and completed in 1986, its dramatic Expressionist concrete facade is inspired by the basalt lava columns found in Icelandic nature. Named after the 17th-century hymn writer Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church stands atop a hill in central Reykjavík and houses a massive 5,275-pipe organ. The tower observation deck offers panoramic views of the city.
Key Facts
- •At 74.5 meters, it is the tallest church in Iceland and one of the country's tallest buildings
- •Designed in 1937 but took 41 years to build, from 1945 to 1986
- •The facade is inspired by Iceland's basalt column formations like those at Svartifoss waterfall
- •Houses a 5,275-pipe organ built by the German firm Klais and weighing 25 tons
- •Named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, author of Iceland's beloved 'Passion Hymns' (1659)
Location
Coordinates: 64.1417, -21.9267
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