# Hallgrímskirkja

> The tower of Hallgrímskirkja is 74.5 metres high, making it the largest church in Iceland. The architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed it in the Expressionist…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/hallgrimskirkja/

A concrete church whose tall tower, inspired by basalt columns, can be seen across Reykjavík. Take the lift up the tower for views over the colourful rooftops and the bay, and look for street parking nearby on side streets.

The tower of Hallgrímskirkja is 74.5 metres high, making it the largest church in Iceland. The architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed it in the Expressionist style, inspired by basalt columns such as those seen at Svartifoss. Construction began in 1945 and took 41 years; the crypt was consecrated in 1948, the tower and wings were finished in 1974, and the nave was consecrated on 26 October 1986.

In front of the entrance stands a statue of Leif Eriksson by Alexander Stirling Calder, a gift from the United States for the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing in 1930. A lift takes you to the viewing platform with views over Reykjavík. The Klais organ with 5,275 pipes was completed in 1992, and a carillon of 29 bells rings several times a day. Allow about an hour. The church is a landmark of the city; parking nearby is often scarce, so it is worth walking from a car park.

- **Nearest town:** Reykjavík, Iceland
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 64.1417, -21.9266

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Iceland: No motorway tolls for cars.** Many roads are gravel; F-roads need a 4×4. Motorway limit for cars: 90 km/h.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Hallgrímskirkja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallgr%C3%ADmskirkja)

## Nearby

- [Þingvellir](https://camping-spirit.com/places/thingvellir/) – 41 km
- [Kerið](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-kerid/) – 52 km
- [Skálholt](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-skalholt/) – 68 km
- [Hraunfossar](https://camping-spirit.com/places/hraunfossar/) – 77 km

## FAQs

### Where is Hallgrímskirkja?

Hallgrímskirkja is in Reykjavík, Iceland, at GPS 64.1417, -21.9266. It is about 39 km from Hveragerði.

### Can you camp near Hallgrímskirkja?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tjaldsvæði í Laugardal, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Hallgrímskirkja?

Places worth a stop nearby: Þingvellir (41 km), Kerið (52 km), Skálholt (68 km) and Hraunfossar (77 km).

### When is the best time to visit Hallgrímskirkja?

Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)