This second part of Reykjavik’s impressive architecture is about Hallgrimskirkja – one of the most interesting churches I’ve seen so far. Its expressionistic appearance was designed following forms of Icelands nature: The thin concrete piles symbolise vulcanic columnar basalt and its white colour reminds of glacier ice.

The church opened in 1986 when Reykjavik had its 200 years anniversary. It was named after the minister and poet Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-1674). The church’s surface with its thin concrete piles symbolises vulcanic columnar basalt. Its white appearance reminds of glacier ice. Infront of the entrance there is a statue of Leifur Eiriksson who discovered America round about 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Hallgrímskirkja
Skólavörðuholti
101 Reykjavík
www.hallgrimskirkja.is

Opening hours: 
Winter (October – May): 9 am – 5 pm.
Summer (June – September): 9 am – 9 pm.

Admission to the tower:
Adults ISK 900
Children ISK 100