Hotels near Hallgrimskirkja

Towering 74.5 metres above the city, Hallgrimskirkja is the landmark that defines the Reykjavik skyline and the first thing on most visitors' lists of things to do in Reykjavik. Designed by architect Gudjon Samuelsson and inspired by the basalt column formations of Svartifoss waterfall, this Expressionist Lutheran church took 41 years to build (1945-1986). The soaring concrete facade looks like a cascade of frozen lava columns - divisive when it was first proposed, now universally beloved.

Entering the church is free and the interior is striking in its simplicity - clean white walls, a vaulted ceiling, and a massive 5,275-pipe organ by Johannes Klais that fills the nave. But the main draw is the observation deck at the top. For ISK 1,200 (~€8), you take a lift to the top of the tower for a 360-degree panorama of the colourful corrugated-iron rooftops, Mount Esja across the bay, and on clear days, Snaefellsjokull glacier to the northwest. In front of the church stands a bronze statue of Leifur Eiriksson (Leif Erikson), a gift from the United States in 1930.

Pro Tip: Come before 10:00 to skip the tower queue, especially in summer. The tower is even more atmospheric at dusk when the low Icelandic sun paints the mountains gold. Free organ concerts are held on Sundays at 12:00 - worth timing your visit around.