Among Reykjavík’s landmarks, Hallgrimskirkja rises above the skyline. This Lutheran church, located in the centre of Iceland’s capital, stands 74.5 metres tall. Often photographed, it serves as both a place of worship and a symbol of the Icelandic landscape.
Modern design, traditional roots
Hallgrimskirkja (meaning Church of Hallgrímur) is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, an influential 17th-century Icelandic clergyman and poet. Pétursson is best remembered for his ‘Passion Hymns’, a collection describing the suffering and death of Christ, which remain part of Iceland’s religious and cultural traditions.
Although Christianity has a long history in Iceland, survey data suggests that Icelanders are not particularly religious today. Most belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, and confirmation at age 14 is still common, though optional. Some who identify as atheist continue to observe rituals that are culturally significant.
Architectural ambition and local debate
Hallgrimskirkja’s distinctive look was designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelson in 1937. The church’s stark, modern style, with symmetrical wings and a tall spire, draws inspiration from Iceland’s basalt columns, mountains and glaciers.
Construction took 41 years, starting in 1945 and completing in 1986. The crypt beneath the choir was completed first in 1948, while the steeple and wings finished in 1974. The full project stirred debate over its cost and aesthetics, with critics describing its design as old-fashioned and disjointed at the time. Over the years, however, Hallgrimskirkja became a widely admired feature of Reykjavík’s cityscape.
The church stands near the statue of Leifur Eiriksson, honouring the Icelandic explorer. Its position and height make it visible from much of the surrounding city and attract many visitors for its views across Reykjavík and the nearby mountains.