Hallgrimskirkja

The church of Hallgrímskirkja is the main landmark of Reykjavík and its tower, standing at 74.5 meters high, can be seen from almost anywhere in the town.

Quick facts

  • Name: Hallgrimskirkja
  • Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Built: 1986
  • Type of attraction: Architectural/Church
  • Ticket price: From US$ 8

It was designed in 1937 by the late Guðjón Samúelsson who was often influenced by the interesting shapes and patterns formed as lava cools into basalt rock.

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Church construction began in 1945 and finished in 1986, with the tower being built well before the rest of the church was completed. In 1948 the crypt under the choir was consecrated, the steeple and wings were completed in 1974 and the nave consecrated in 1986.

Most notably the church features a gargantuan pipe organ designed and built by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn.

Standing tall at an impressive 15 m and weighing incredible 25 tonnes, this mechanical action organ is powered by four manuals and a pedal, 102 lines, 72 stops and 5275 pipes, all designed to produce  powerful musical tunes. The construction of the organ was completed in December 1992.

Interesting facts about Hallgrimskirkja

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Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:

  • The design of the church is based on natural elements found in Icelandic environment, such as basalt columns, mountains, and glaciers.
  • Statue in front of the church is of Leifur Eiríksson (≈970-1020), the explorer who discovered America 500 years before Columbus.
  • The church bells are controlled with an app since 2016, when they were repaired and modernized.

Read more: Interesting facts about Hallgrimskirkja

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