Hallgrímskirkja

The Basics

For a small fee, the church’s elevator whisks you to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape: the colorful roofs of the city and nearby snow-capped mountains. Entrance is often included in walking tours of the city.

Other city sightseeing tours (group or private), by bus or Segway, stop at the church so that you can admire the architecture from outside. Hallgrimskirkja (sometimes translated Hallgrimur's Church) is also a stop on most hop-on hop-off Reykjavik bus tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hallgrimskirkja is a must-visit destination for architecture and history lovers.

• Access to the tower is only by elevator. At the top, there are a few steps to the open-air viewing platform.

• The tower is closed during Sunday mass.

• Hallgrimskirkja is a working church and so may be closed, without notice, due to weddings or funerals.

• Everyone is welcome to join services, but, to avoid disturbance, you should stay for the duration.

• The sweeping columns on either side of the tower represent volcanic basalt.

How to Get There

Standing at the top of a hill in the center of Reykjavik and visible from 12 miles (19 kilometers) away, the church is difficult to miss. Just walk up the hill from any side and you'll be there. It’s a short walk from Reykjavik Town Hall.

When to Get There

Hallgrim's Church is open year-round, from early morning to evening (slightly later in summer). From mid-June through mid-August, the church hosts a summer concert series, three times per week, in which you can hear the vast 5,275-pipe organ in action.

Statue of Leif Erikson

Alexander Stirling Calder, famed American sculptor and father of the even more notable Alexander Calder, created the statue of the Norse explorer Leif Erikson (the first European to discover North America) that sits in front of the church. It was a gift from the US in 1930 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Iceland’s parliament.

Ways to explore

While you can visit Hallgrímskirkja on your own, entrance is often included in walking tours of the city (make sure services aren’t in session). Other city sightseeing tours, like those by bus or Segway, stop at the church to admire the architecture from outside. It’s also a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours in Reykjavik.

Unlike the ground floor, access to the top of the tower requires tickets, bookable only on-site. Up top, you’ll get 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, from the colorful roofs of the city to nearby snowcapped mountains.

Accessibility

The church is mostly accessible to those using wheelchairs. There’s an elevator to the 8th floor for great views.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, earplugs (if ringing bells bother you)

What to wear

Modest attire—it’s an active place of worship.

Not allowed

Eating, drinking, loud talking, suitcases, wedding photography, sightseeing during services

Amenities

Restrooms (during services only), small shop, tower for aerial viewing

Address

Hallgrímskirkja is about a 15-minute walk from Reykjavik’s city center. While you can drive to the church, walking or taking public transit is the best way to get there. Tours are a nice option, too.

Driving

Hallgrímskirkja is centrally located in the city, and multiple paid parking lots are nearby. Arrive early to make finding parking easier.

Public transportation

Take the Route 6 bus, a “tourist” route that stops at Hallgrímskirkja. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off buses often stop at the church.

Best times to visit

Come early in the morning or later in the evening for nice light and fewer crowds—and to avoid interrupting services.

Best days to visit

Avoid Wednesday and Sunday mornings, as that’s when regular church services are held.

Best months to visit

The long days of sunlight in summer mean that you can take in the exterior architecture late into the evening.

Special events

The church holds organ concerts once a month from September to June—check the schedule to see if any are scheduled during your visit.