Reykjavík · Laugavegur · Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

religiousviewpointculturegoogle verified

easy

9/10

best: morning, afternoon, sunset

contemplative, adventurous

A local would say...

Reykjavík's concrete cathedral took 40 years to build and looks like it was carved from volcanic rock — ride the lift to the top for a view that stretches to the mountains on every side.

Reykjavík's immense white-concrete Lutheran church, built between 1945 and 1986, dominates the city skyline and is visible from up to 20km away. Its dramatic expressionist facade — inspired by the basalt lava columns found across Iceland — is a striking contrast to the simple, serene interior. An elevator to the 74.5m-high tower offers an unmissable panoramic view of the entire city.