Reykjavík's iconic landmark church with a distinctive modernist design resembling basalt lava flows. At 74.5 meters tall, it's visible from almost anywhere in the city. Take the elevator to the observation deck for 360-degree views of Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.
Hallgrímskirkja stands at the top of Skólavörðustígur street in central Reykjavik, its concrete facade designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson to echo the basalt columns and glaciers found throughout Iceland's landscape. At 74.5 meters, it is the tallest church in the country and one of the tallest structures in Reykjavik, visible from many points across the city. The plain, light-filled interior contrasts with the dramatic exterior, and a large pipe organ with over 5,000 pipes is used for regular recitals. An elevator inside the tower rises most of the way to an observation level, from which a short climb leads to a viewing gallery looking out over Reykjavik's colorful rooftops, the harbor, and on clear days the surrounding mountains including Esja. A statue of Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States marking the 1930 Alþingi millennial anniversary, stands in the square in front of the church. Visiting the interior takes about 15 minutes, while a full visit including the tower elevator and viewing gallery takes closer to an hour. The church and tower see a steady stream of visitors throughout the day given the central location, with lines for the elevator building up around midday in high season.
| Admission | Adult $10 (tower) · Child $5 (tower) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily, tower closes earlier in winter |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Address | Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, solo travelers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík
64.1426, -21.9266 View on map
Highlights
- 74.5-meter tower, Iceland's tallest church
- Observation deck with panoramic city views
- Pipe organ with over 5,000 pipes
- Leif Erikson statue in the front square
- Basalt-column-inspired concrete architecture
Tips for visiting
- Visit the tower for best city views
- Free organ concerts held regularly
- Statue of Leif Erikson stands in front
- Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds
When to visit
Visit early morning or in the evening to avoid elevator lines, which build up around midday in the summer high season.
Accessibility
The main church interior is step-free and wheelchair accessible; the tower has an elevator but a short flight of stairs remains at the very top to reach the viewing gallery.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Hallgrímskirkja take?
About 15 minutes for the interior alone, or closer to an hour including the tower elevator and viewing gallery.
Is Hallgrímskirkja worth it for kids?
Yes, children generally enjoy the elevator ride and the panoramic views from the tower.
Is photography allowed inside the church?
Photography is allowed throughout the church and tower, though visitors should stay quiet during services or organ recitals.
Do I need to pay to enter the church?
The church interior is free to enter; only the tower elevator to the observation deck requires a paid ticket.