Cathedral of Hallgrimskirkja

Hatlgrimskirkja or Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran church in the center of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. This unique church is clearly visible from anywhere in the city and serves as a reliable landmark, as it is the tallest structure in Reykjavík: the distance to the top of the bell tower is 75 meters. The church is named after Hadlgrímur Pietursson, a well-known Icelandic artist, spiritual leader, and poet who wrote the book “Hymns of Passion.”

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Origin story

The original architectural design of Hatlgrimskirkja Church was developed by architect Goodyoun Samuelson back in 1937. Construction began in 1945 and continued for more than 40 years, finishing in 1986. Shortly after construction, the temple was consecrated.

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The architect of the project envisioned a church that would resemble lava bursting upward from the mouth of a volcano. But not all tourists have such associations with the silhouette of Hatlgrimskirkja: some compare it to a tower from Tolkien’s works, others – to a giant stalagmite.

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Interior and exterior

The church is decorated in a minimalist manner, focusing on shapes and facets that point upwards. The windows and entrance of the building are narrow and tall, having a lancet shape. There are clocks on all four sides of the Hatlgrimskirkja bell tower, which, along with the top and the cross crowning it, are illuminated at night.

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There is a sculpture of Leif Errickson, also known as Leif the Lucky, in front of the entrance to the temple. This brave Viking from Iceland is believed to have discovered America long before Columbus. The monument was donated to the city by the United States of America in 1930 to commemorate the thousandth anniversary of the Nordic country’s parliament.

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The interior of Hatlgrimskirkja is very austere and solemn, there are no icons, frescoes, or moldings, just a lot of upward-pointing lines. The church can comfortably accommodate more than a thousand visitors. It is noteworthy that not only services are held here, but also some secular events: concerts, performances of musicians and theater troupes.

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Hatlgrimskirkja organ

The church’s large mechanical organ, built by master craftsman Johannes Claes from Bonn, Germany, deserves a special mention. The organ is 15 meters high and weighs about 25 tons. The instrument includes 5,275 pipes of different lengths and diameters. The cathedral periodically hosts evening organ concerts, which can be attended by any tourist. The schedule of musical programs and other events scheduled at the temple can be found on its official website.

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The bell tower of the church

At the top of the bell tower of Hatlgrimskirkja, there is a viewing platform from which you can admire the picturesque panorama of Reykjavík. Beautiful views open not only on the city, but also on the surrounding nature: water expanses, mountain ranges. There are also three bells in memory of Hadlgrímur Pietursson, his wife and daughter. Not so long ago it was possible to climb the tower only by a narrow long staircase, but today there is an elevator.

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Tourists

Visiting the temple is free, and travelers are free to attend regular services, concerts and other events at Hatlgrimskirkja. There is always a mass on Sunday morning, and throughout the day visitors can witness baptisms or weddings – these ceremonies are open to the public. In the square next to the church is the museum of the prominent Icelandic sculptor Einar Johnson.

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Opening hours and cost

The cathedral’s doors are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May and October, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between June and September. Visiting the attraction is free, but for a visit to the observation deck of the bell tower will have to pay at the entrance the equivalent of 150 Russian rubles for an adult and 50 for a child.

Contact information, address, how to get there

Address: Iceland, Reykjavík, Skólavörðustígur 101.Phone: +354 510 1000.E-mail: hallgrimskirkja@hallgrimskirkja.is.Official website: hallgrimskirkja.is.To get to Hatlgrimskirkja you can either walk to the spire of the bell tower or take buses 15 or 14 towards the city center.

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