Hallgrímskirkja is arguably the defining landmark of Reykjavík. It’s 244 feet (73 meters) high, making it not only the largest church in Iceland, but also (almost) the largest anything. Iceland is country that has no sky scrapers or sprawling metropolises, so the top of Hallgrímskirkja is pretty much the top of the world. Most structures in Reykjavík aren’t much taller than a few stories, so this church is clearly visible from the far side of Faxa Bay, miles away. (Faxa bay is the name of the bay where Reykjavík is located).

The church was commissioned in 1937, but wasn’t actually completed until 1986. Still, 1930s-esque ideas about what “modern” was going to look like are clear when exploring Hallgrímskirkja. The church has a haunting Ayn Rand/Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow vibe to it that straddles the line between Nordic and Soviet in a strange way.

Take a look for yourself…

Outside The Church

Inside The Church

View From The Top

Hallgrímskirkja is open pretty much during business hours. Entry into the church is free, but riding to the top costs 900 ISK (7.59 USD). It is, indisputably, the best view you can get of Reykjavík, so I’d say that it’s definitely worth the money. It’s a short elevator ride up to the top, and then you’ll be able to look out on the city through tiny windows from behind the clock. The cold Icelandic wind funneling through the windows makes the top of Hallgrímskirkja an icebox, so wear a coat!