Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and the most recognisable landmark on the Reykjavik skyline, standing at the top of Skólavörðuholt hill at Hallgrímstorg 1. Designed by the state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, construction began in 1945 and continued for decades before the church was consecrated in 1986. Its stepped concrete facade is often said to echo the basalt columns found across Iceland, and the 74.5-metre central tower rises above the surrounding low-rise streets of the 101 district. Inside, the nave is austere and bright, with white vaulted walls, tall narrow windows and a restrained, almost Nordic-modern atmosphere. The large organ, with thousands of pipes, dominates the west end, and organ concerts are held regularly in the church. Entry to the nave is free, which makes it an easy stop for most visitors in Reykjavik, Iceland. The main paid experience is the lift to the tower observation deck, where the view stretches across the colourful corrugated-iron rooftops of the old town, the harbour, Faxaflói bay and, on clear days, Mount Esja across the water. In front of the church stands the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, a gift from the United States marking the 1930 Althing anniversary, and it is a popular photo subject with the tower behind. A typical visit takes 45 to 60 minutes, including the queue for the lift and time on the deck. The best photo angle for the full facade is from the bottom of Skólavörðustígur, the rainbow-painted street that climbs directly toward the church. Crowds peak late morning and early afternoon when cruise passengers and tour coaches arrive, and the tower lift can have a queue in summer. Early morning or late afternoon is calmer, and visitors should check service times because the nave can be closed to sightseeing during services and concerts.