An unusual-looking church, the design of Hallgrimskirkja was inspired by the forms created when lava cools into basalt rock. The church was designed by Gudjon Samuel in 1937 and constructed between 1945 and 1986. The tower, at 73 m (239.5 ft) tall, dominates Reykjavik's skyline. The view from the top looks out over the entire city, plus the rocky, volcanic landscape and the sea beside the capital. Inside the church, listen to the melodies wafting from the enormous, 25-ton pipe organ. A statue of Leifur Ericsson, the first European to reach America, stands directly outside the strange edifice. A visit to Hallgrimskirkja represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Reykjavik online travel route planner to plot your vacation.
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Hallgrimskirkja reviews
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I stopped by before a different tour and explored on my own. It's quite a bit more to get to the top than I expected but the view really is pretty amazing. There are two upper floors and there isn't.... more »
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This church is a dominant of Reykjavik. I recommend paying for going up to the tower for a very nice view. There is an elevator that takes you up. You can see whole Reykjavik from the top if the... more »
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It is an impressive church situated atop a small hill in Reykjavik. The inside is relatively simple compared to European cathedrals. The views from the tower are unbelievable and worth the admission cost for the elevator (of course, the weather and visibility are important factors)
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Great concrete architecture. Simple, clean, elegant design. There are no stain glass windows and nor religious artifacts. Fantastic organ. If you get a chance go to the top of the clock tower for great 360 deg views over the town.
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