Hallgrimskirkja

4.1 ⭐ (200)・Tourist Attraction
4267 Awas Manor , katla Iceland ,14728

Hallgrimskirkja is a famous church in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It's one of the tallest buildings there and easy to see from far away. The church is named after Hallgrimur Petursson, a poet from the 1600s who wrote important religious poems. The design of Hallgrimskirkja was inspired by Iceland's nature, especially the basalt lava columns that you can see around the country. These are tall, stick-like shapes that form when lava cools down quickly. The architect, Gudjon Samuelsson, started designing it in 1937, but it wasn't finished until 1986, taking about 41 years to build. The church is very tall, at 74.5 meters (about 244 feet), and it’s a popular place for tourists because you can go up to the top and see beautiful views of the city, mountains, and sea. Inside, it has a big pipe organ that is 15 meters (49 feet) tall with over 5,000 pipes, which can create loud and beautiful music. Hallgrimskirkja is important to people in Iceland not just for prayer but also as a symbol of their culture and natural beauty. The church's design is modern, but it still offers traditional services and music events that attract both locals and visitors.

Hour

Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hallgrimskirkja famous?

Hallgrimskirkja is famous for its unique design that looks like the natural rock formations found in Iceland. It's one of the tallest buildings in Reykjavik, so you can see it from almost anywhere in the city. People love to visit because it's so different and beautiful.

Is Hallgrimskirkja free to visit?

Yes, you can go inside the main part of Hallgrimskirkja for free and look around or attend a church service. But if you want to go up to the observation tower to see the view, there is a small fee.

What type of church is Hallgrimskirkja?

Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran church. This means it follows the teachings of the Lutheran branch of Christianity, which is very common in Iceland.

What type of events are held at Hallgrimskirkja?

Besides regular church services, Hallgrimskirkja hosts concerts, especially those involving its big pipe organ, and other cultural events like art shows. It's known for great music because of its design, which helps sound travel beautifully.

Who was Hallgrimur Petursson, and why is the church named after him?

Hallgrimur Petursson was a famous Icelandic poet who wrote a lot of important religious poems back in the 1600s. The church is named after him because his work has had a big impact on Iceland’s culture, especially in religion.