Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in the country, and towers over the centre of Reykjavik. Its 73-metre-high tower provides a wonderful 360° view over all Reykjavik, the mountains around and the ocean streaching west to Greenland and the Americas. Because of this, the tower is among the most visited tourist destinations in Reykjavik. Tower admission Adults: ISK 1000 Children: ISK 100 (ages 7-16) Tickets are sold in the church shop. Access to the tower is only by lift. At the top there are a few steps to the open-air viewing platform. Winter (October – April): 09:00 – 17:00. Tower closes 16:30. Summer (May – September): 09:00 – 21:00. Tower closes 20:30. The tower is closed on Sundays from 10:30 – 12:15 during mass at 11:00. Hallgrimskirkja is an active, working church and sometimes we may close the church without notice, especially due to weddings or funerals. Everyone is welcome to join services and concerts, but we ask visitors to stay the whole time to avoid disturbance.
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Neighbourhood: Miðborg
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See what travellers are saying
- Lynn SCambridgeshire, United Kingdom35 contributionsFab architectureAmazing building, beautiful architecture, fantastically calm, even when sat and listened to a group playing music. Amazing design both daytime and night-time. Spacious, light and airy. Worth a visit.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 March 2023
- Michael MDublin, Ireland582 contributionsA church that is worth a lookThe spire of this church is visible from most part of downtown Reykjavik. Its definitely worth a visit Its an unusual style of architecture called Brutalism (essentially bare stone and plaster with little adornment). The inside of the Church is also quite bare but there is a magnificent organ. There is a statue of Leif Erickson in front of the church that is also worth a lookVisited March 2023Written 20 March 2023
- Jessica K80 contributionsHallgrimskirkja Bell TowerWe bought tickets to go up in the bell tower and just as we made it up, a snow storm picked up so visibility wasn’t great. But it was still fun being up there while the bells rang! The organ pipes are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2023
- Prabir GKolkata (Calcutta), India2,739 contributionsNovel concrete structure you can't missHallgrimskirkja is a parish church located at thd city centre in Reykjavík, Iceland. At 244 ft tall, it is the largest church in Iceland. The structure is known for its distinctively curved spire and side wings. This has become an important symbol for Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986. It took 46 years to complete construction. The church is named after the Icelandic poet and cleric Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the Passion Hymns. The design of the concrete structure is inspired by basalt lava flows found in Iceland. In front of Iceland’s largest church is a statue of Icelandic Viking Leif Eiriksson. I visited this place on 22nd Mar 2023. You can climb to the top viewpoint on a high-speed lift. There is a ticket of ISK 1200 per person for the lift ride. Though I bought the ticket, but surprisingly found that lot of tourists are going up without a ticket, since there is no checking for a ticket. This is just funny. You can catch a stunning view of the city, the bay from the top. The church is open from 9 am till 5 pm in winter and till 9 pm in summer. While entering the mass hall, one must keep in mind that this being a functional church, the devotee's privacy should not be disturbed.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 March 2023
- Gareth P222 contributionsHarsh geometric landmarkA stark brutalist monument in the centre of Reykjavik the Hallgrimskirkja is powerful in its purity and geometric crispness. Inside it reflects a more modernist view of religious extravagance, although the organ is a powerhouse of its kind. Well worth a short elevator ride up to the top of the bell tower for the best view e city.Visited March 2023Written 26 March 2023
- Gautam RLaurel, Maryland221 contributionsBeautifulThis was our first tourist stop of the day! It opens at 10 PM. We were able to hear an organ performance, which was great. For a fee, you can take a ride up to the 8th floor and climb some stairs to the top of the cathedral for a nice view.Visited April 2023Written 3 April 2023
- Lexi D13 contributionsBreathtaking viewsWe went on Palm Sunday, about 30 minutes before they closed. The outside is magnificent but the inside is incredible. The organ is breathtaking. Views from the top are wonderful. We stayed up to listen to the bells which go off every 15 minutes, it is LOUD!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 April 2023
- gringottsgoblin369 contributionsA soaring edifice. Modern Nordic GothicI was not expecting to be so moved. I have seen the photos of course but they can’t explain what this cathedral is. It is a soaring edifice very appropriate to Iceland its facade reflecting the basalt columns in its structure. What I was not expecting was it’s sheer elegance and how it’s pared back exterior and interior created a sense of being just right, slightly austere but with wonderful proportions and the entire elegant structure uncluttered and clear to see and so filled with light. I won’t compare it to the Sagrada Familia but it is up there as a really fine piece of church architecture that holds its own with the best of them. Modern Nordic Gothic. Loved itVisited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2023
- veronica lNorthumberland, United Kingdom93 contributionsGreat views from the top of the tower on a clear day.I was visiting the church but as the weather was bright sunny and clear decided to take the lift to the top of the tower. You pay at the desk first then its six people at a time in the lift. You are very quickly there. There is then a staircase to the open viewing area. It is under the bell which is deafening when it rang - but all in all the views over the city and the bay are worth it.Visited April 2023Written 14 April 2023
- Judy L14 contributionsA towering structure in ReykjavikWhen visiting Reykjavik, you won’t miss this church. It towers over the city with its distinct architecture and breathtaking exterior. Entrance into the church is free. At certain times throughout the day, you might hear the organ player practice. The interior, however, is rather minimalistic and for a fee you can take a trip up to the bell tower for better views of the city. Heads up - the bells go off every 15 minutes!Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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jrapeter
Bude, UK841 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The church exterior is austere, graphic and impressive. Allegedly looking like the basalt pillars seen at the coast.
Interior is equally plain although the new organ pipes are impressive.
The real deal here, however, is the trip up the Tower to the bell tower and enclosed viewing platform with incredible 360 degree views over. Reykjavik and it’s surrounding bay and interior.
It is circa £8 per person. there is a lift up to the top (8th floor).
The bells chime (loudly) every 15 minutes and you are a few feet away from them.
As I say, the views are faultless (we had a lucky break in the dreary weather!) and I think worth the money.
Interior is equally plain although the new organ pipes are impressive.
The real deal here, however, is the trip up the Tower to the bell tower and enclosed viewing platform with incredible 360 degree views over. Reykjavik and it’s surrounding bay and interior.
It is circa £8 per person. there is a lift up to the top (8th floor).
The bells chime (loudly) every 15 minutes and you are a few feet away from them.
As I say, the views are faultless (we had a lucky break in the dreary weather!) and I think worth the money.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GinnyConrad
Leland, NC7 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The architecture of the building is amazing! The inside is plain, unimpressive, aside from the architecture, they were doing some renovating, which may have impacted that. The organ pipes are quite impressive, though! We paid for the elevator to the top, and the view is definitely worth it! We always get caught in bell towers when they ring, and today was no exception!
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anotheraeolist
New York City, NY42 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Hallgrímskirkja is the tallest building in Reykjavík and can easily be seen from within the city. The architecture is particularly striking, with its stone facade representing the basalt columns found around the country and its dramatic shape that resembles the curved peak of a Viking's helmet. The interior is similarly austere and does not contain any kind of adornment on the walls or windows.
If you enter the church's gift shop, you can purchase tickets (1400 ISK) to take the elevator to the top of the tower to view the city from above. I liked this view better than that of Perlan's because you can see the colorful Reykjavík houses against the mountains and sea. Just be aware that the bells ring at every hour so it will be very loud inside that tower at the right time.
If you enter the church's gift shop, you can purchase tickets (1400 ISK) to take the elevator to the top of the tower to view the city from above. I liked this view better than that of Perlan's because you can see the colorful Reykjavík houses against the mountains and sea. Just be aware that the bells ring at every hour so it will be very loud inside that tower at the right time.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel P
Worksop, UK259 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
I suppose this is a must visit location in Reykjavik; it certainly is imposing and unlike any other place of worship I’ve ever seen. We first visited after sunset and the external flood-lights and the internally illuminated stained glass windows really soften the stark concrete exterior. A day-time visit is certainly worth it to both go up in the lift to access the bell tower (the views across the town, the bay and the mountains are brilliant), but also to see the interior of the cathedral, which has the absolute minimum of decoration. If you’re lucky the organ may be being played as well.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrCDB
Chile533 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A must. Nice design and great to see it both at day and night. The view from the top is quite nice as well so recommendable to pay the fee to take the lift and get to the top of the church.
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George V
Crouch End, UK9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Taking in Iceland's architecture is amazing, but the Hallgrimskirkja takes the cake, with it's minimalist brutalist style design it stands tall against the ice, cold and wind of Reykjavik.
The inside doesn't sleep on you either, although very bare and minimal, it makes it that much more striking.
There is the option to also climb it's tower and get and exquisite views of all of Reykjavik, but be prepared to pay.
The inside doesn't sleep on you either, although very bare and minimal, it makes it that much more striking.
There is the option to also climb it's tower and get and exquisite views of all of Reykjavik, but be prepared to pay.
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy B
8 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I see those commenting a 1 star are maybe correct in their opinion. In mine, no queues, and for £8 each, it well worth the views at the top.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jayfi303
Cambridge, UK12 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
A beautiful, peaceful place to visit. The modern architecture is stunning. The church towers above the city of Reykjavík visible all over. Inside it is equally beautiful, with a calm atmosphere.
We didn’t go up the tower due to poor visibility on the day we visited, but I imagine it provides amazing views across the city and beyond.
We didn’t go up the tower due to poor visibility on the day we visited, but I imagine it provides amazing views across the city and beyond.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christy M
Kelty, UK241 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Really nice church very unique in design. Inside very plain but peaceful. Recommend a trip up to the tower which you can buy tickets for in the gift shop not expensive. Fantastic views over Reykjavik and great for photos. Gets very busy so go early.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RYCP71
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK186 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Well worth a trip up the tower, the views are amazing and it gives you a good feel of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Recommmend to do this early on in your visit to the city....
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I may have a couple of days to spare for sightseeing in the city in December. Is photography permitted in the Cathedral?
onthemach
324 contributions
Yes, indeed. No problems. Enjoy.
ch3lseascott
5 contributions
How much does it cost to go to the top of the church?
Traveling5
191 contributions
We were just there 1000 for adults kids at least 7amd 13 were free
Daniblahblah
Washington DC, DC14 contributions
Is there a place to find a list of events? I saw someone mention a children's chorus singing one day.
Tilledd
Wickford, UK55 contributions
If the above doesn't help just try their website hallgrimskirkja.is
Opt for the English (unless you read Icelandic) and go to the information tab where you'll find events.
Hallie M
Phoenix, AZ
Did you park there overnight for free then?
Bernadette B
26 contributions
It was free to park at the church, but I don't know if that would apply for overnight parking.
Wan2G0
Kennewick, WA8 contributions
Are there specific times that individuals practice on the organ in Hallgrimskirkja, or do you have to be lucky to time it? I would love to hear the organ in action.
Larry K
Los Angeles, CA54 contributions
I didn’t see any schedule posted. We were there Saturday around noon and he was going strong.
PinkBicycleJM
Beckenham, UK63 contributions
Is parking available outside?
Roger0987
Bury St. Edmunds, UK9 contributions
As per previous reviews, very limited parking. Better to park elsewhere and walk up.
Sarah D
65 contributions
When you purchase a ticket is it just for one visit or could we go up twice in one day
HoosierFoodLover
Ferdinand, IN115 contributions
No one took our tickets either. It was the honor system. If it was me, I would just ask them when I bought the ticket and go with what they said. I bet they would say it was fine.
Pakmul
Thousand Oaks, CA41 contributions
How late does this church open until ? In the summer time, the sun does not set until midnight, I wonder if we have time to visit this church late evening. Thanks!
3010brendaa
Superior, WI24 contributions
It is only open until 9pm. We got there right when it opened-less tourists.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hallgrimskirkja
- Hotels near Hallgrimskirkja:
- (0.03 km) Right in the heart of Reykjavik, newly refurbished
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- (0.16 km) Eric the Red Guesthouse
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- (0.11 km) ROK Restaurant
- (0.11 km) Cafe Loki
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