Hallgrímskirkja

16 Fascinating Facts about Hallgrímskirkja

1. Location: Hallgrímskirkja stands on Skólavörðuholt hill in the center of Reykjavík and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Thanks to its elevated position, it serves as a striking landmark in the Icelandic capital.
2. Significance: Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and the second-tallest structure in the country, surpassed only by the radio tower in Hellissandur. Although many assume it’s the national cathedral, that title actually belongs to the much smaller Dómkirkjan, located next to the Parliament.
3. Design Competition: In 1929, the Icelandic Parliament launched a competition to design a new church in Reykjavík. The requirements were ambitious: seating for 1,200 people and a tall tower that could also function as a radio transmitter. The aim was to create more than a place of worship—this building was meant to be a national symbol, reflecting faith, identity, and progress.
4. Guðjón Samúelsson: Guðjón Samúelsson (1887–1950), Iceland’s first state architect, was the visionary behind Hallgrímskirkja. He shaped Icelandic architecture in the 20th century like no other, leaving behind more than 200 buildings—including the National Theatre, the University of Reykjavík, and many churches across the country.
5. Construction History: Although the design was completed in 1937, construction didn’t begin until 1945. The delay was caused by World War II, economic instability, and technical challenges. Guðjón Samúelsson didn’t live to see the completion of his masterpiece. He died in 1950, and Hallgrímskirkja was finally finished in 1986.
6. Funding: The construction of Hallgrímskirkja was made possible through a collective effort. In addition to government support, a large part of the financing came from private donations. Around 60 percent of the total costs were covered by contributions from the public.
7. Architecture: The expressionist design of Hallgrímskirkja is strongly influenced by Icelandic nature. The church tower resembles the frozen basalt columns of the Svartifoss waterfall. At the same time, the soaring shape symbolizes both the raw power of volcanoes and a sense of spiritual uplift.
8. Solemn Dedication: Hallgrímskirkja was officially consecrated on October 26, 1986. That date marked the 312th anniversary of Hallgrímur Pétursson’s death and coincided with the 200th anniversary of Reykjavík’s founding. The city was established in 1786 by order of Danish King Christian VII to promote and regulate trade in Iceland. However, people had been living in the area for centuries. Around the year 874, the Norwegian settler Ingólfur Arnarson made it his home. He is considered the founder of the oldest permanently inhabited place in Iceland.
9. Hallgrímur Pétursson: Hallgrímur Pétursson, born in 1614 and died in 1674, is one of Iceland’s most important religious poets. His Passion Hymns are deeply woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of the country. To this day, his writings remain a central part of the Icelandic Lenten season. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s most famous church, was dedicated to his memory.
10. Organ: The monumental organ was built in 1992 by the German company Klais. With 5,275 pipes, it ranks among the most powerful and renowned instruments in Northern Europe. To support its construction, visitors could symbolically adopt individual pipes—a tradition that still continues today and includes a personalized certificate available in the church shop.
11. Interior Artwork: Although Hallgrímskirkja has a minimalist interior, it features several remarkable works of art. The Icelandic artist Leifur Breiðfjörð designed the main door, the window above it, the pulpit, and the baptismal font. Additional highlights include a statue of Christ by Einar Jónsson, a martyr figure by Sigurjón Ólafsson, a Madonna painting in the side chapel, and iconic, Byzantine-inspired images of the archangels Gabriel and Michael by Kristín Gunnlaugsdóttir.
12. Viewing Platform: Hallgrímskirkja has an observation platform that is easily accessible by elevator. From the top, visitors enjoy sweeping views over Reykjavík, the nearby coastline, and distant volcanic peaks. On clear days, the glacier Snæfellsjökull is visible on the far horizon.
13. Illumination on Special Occasions: On special occasions, Hallgrímskirkja is illuminated in vibrant colors. These include rainbow lights for Reykjavík Pride, blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine, and artistic light projections during the Winter Lights Festival, held every year in early February.
14. Statue in Front of the Church: In front of Hallgrímskirkja stands the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, who is celebrated in Iceland as the first European to reach the American continent. The bronze monument was a gift from the United States in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Alþingi, the world’s oldest surviving parliament. The statue was placed long before the church was built and shows Leifur looking westward—toward North America.
15. Leifur Eiríksson: Leifur Eiríksson was the son of Erik the Red, the Norse explorer who settled Greenland. Around the year 1000, Leifur is believed to have sailed west and reached a fertile land he called Vinland—most likely present-day Newfoundland. His journey earned him a place among the greatest explorers of the Viking Age.
16. Christianity in Iceland: Iceland officially adopted Christianity in the year 1000, during a meeting of the national parliament, the Alþingi. The decision was made peacefully and through legislation, in order to avoid a potential civil war. For many centuries, the country remained Catholic, until the Reformation was introduced in the 16th century under Danish rule. Since then, the Evangelical Lutheran Church has been the dominant faith and continues to shape Iceland’s religious identity to this day.