Iconic Church

September 20-21, 2025 -- Hallgrímskirkja is the iconic Lutheran Church near the city center in Reykjavik. It is situated on a hill and is visible from most places in the city. At 244 feet, Hallgrímskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and second tallest building in the country. Its interior is 18,040 square feet, making it the largest church in Iceland.

Church and statue

Posing in front of the church

Our first view of the church was at night.

The church is known for its distinctively curved spire and side wings. It took 41 years to build and was completed in 1986. The church is a symbol of Iceland's national identity. It is named after an Icelandic poet and cleric Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-1674).

Inside the church

Organ and pews

Another shot of the church

The statue of explorer Leif Erikson in front of the church predates the church. It was a gift from the United States and was unveiled in 1932. It was given in commemoration of the 1000th year anniversary of Alþingi, Iceland's parliament.  Iceland has the oldest surviving parliament in the world.

Son of Iceland