Hallgrimskirkja Church

Hallgrim's Church, called by the locals of Reykjavik, 'Hallgrimskirkja', is the highest church in Iceland. This church belongs to the Lutheran believers. The Lutheran Cathedral is named after Hallgrimskirkja, a great Icelandic poet and clergyman - Hallgrimur Petursson (1614-1674), author of the famous book Passiusalmar and other such writings. This is was one of the most influential and beloved pastors of Iceland, its efforts being concentrated toward beautification and Lutheran liturgical hymns.

The Northern Architecture of the Hallgrimskirkj Church belongs to the famous national architect Guojonn Samuelsson, an architect who worked on Landakotskirkja Church, located in Reykjavik also. He also designed the Church of Akureyri Akureyrarkirkju. Hallgrimskirkja church was built in 38 years - 1945-1986. The bell tower is a genuine point of orientation in this area and was finished many years before the end of the church itself. The building has almost 75 meters in height and it is the highest building in Iceland. It is located right in the middle of the city and soon after it was build, it became the symbol of Reykjavik city.

The cathedral’s stylized facades are the common architecture that is seen all over Iceland, resembling basalt formations that are specific to the country. The church houses a huge organ (1992) bearing the signature of the German organ master, Klais. The bell, located in the huge tower, attracts the attention of all the pilgrims that walk inside. With eight floors, the tower offers to visitors an impressive view of the city and its surroundings. To reach the top of the tower you must use an elevator. The statue in front of the church is Leifur Eriksson's, an Icelandic-Norwegian explorer, considered as the first European to set foot on North American soil. The statue monument is a gift of the United States to the city in 1930. The receiving of the monument took place during the festive ceremonies that celebrated 1000 years of the Icelandic Parliament.