Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík is an iconic landmark and well worth a visit. The architecture is striking—towering, modern, and unmistakably Icelandic. Inside, the space feels vast and serene, and the organ adds a sense of grandeur. The tower offers panoramic views of the city, which are fantastic on a clear day. It can be busy, but the experience is memorable, both for the design and the views. A must-see for first-time visitors.

The iconic church is quite magnificent in person. It’s free to enter but there’s a ticket to the tower which gives you stunning aerial 360 views of Reykjavik. There’s an elevator to take you the 8th floor where you’ll find a massive bell which bongs every 15 minutes. Overall, it’s a 10/10 experience which you must make time for in between other excursions and day trips.

Very pretty church, no entrance fee to just go in unless you going up the tower and viewing deck. No need to prepay tickets they available at the kiosk as you go up. When we went it was fairly quiet

Perhaps Reykjavík’s most famous landmark, towering over the city with its striking design. The inside, however, is very empty and underwhelming. The exterior is undeniably impressive, inspired by Iceland’s natural basalt columns and lava flows, giving it a uniquely dramatic presence that feels both modern and tied to the landscape. Standing in front of it or viewing it from different parts of the city is an experience in itself, and it’s one of the most photographed sites in Iceland. Inside, however, many visitors find it surprisingly plain. The interior is spacious but sparsely decorated, with white walls and minimal ornamentation. Aside from the impressive pipe organ, there isn’t much to hold your attention for long, which can feel underwhelming compared to the dramatic façade or the richness of Iceland’s natural beauty that inspired it. What makes the visit more worthwhile is going up the tower. For a small fee, you can take an elevator most of the way up and climb a short flight of stairs to enjoy panoramic views over Reykjavík, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, this is easily the highlight of the visit and a great way to get your bearings in the city. Practical things to keep in mind: lines for the tower can get long, especially when buses arrive, so going early in the day or later in the afternoon helps. The church itself is free to enter, but the tower requires a ticket. Accessibility is decent thanks to the elevator, though the last stretch still involves some steps. Overall, Hallgrímskirkja is worth seeing for its iconic architecture and the tower view, but don’t expect the interior to match the drama of its exterior. It’s a must-visit in Reykjavík, but more for the outside and the vantage point than the church itself.

The largest church in Iceland and a true architectural landmark! Its design is stunning, and the view from the top offers one of the best panoramas of Reykjavík. A must-visit spot for a sense of the city’s beauty 😍