The house and the story

About Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is a national shrine, a memorial church to Iceland's most influential hymn poet, Hallgrím Pétursson, and a city center church with vibrant and energetic work.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Hallgríms Congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran National Church and there are over 7000 people living in the parish area of the church. The congregation's work is vigorous and for people of all ages. A number of volunteers participate in the work of the congregation. The congregation is served by two priests, two organists, choirmasters, churchwardens, youth representatives and staff in children and youth work.

Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and the tallest building in the capital Reykjavík. The tower is 73 meters high and offers views of the city, the blue canals and the surrounding mountain range. Hallgrímskirkja is the most visited tourist attraction in Iceland.

The Icelandic Parliament was involved in the construction of the church. In a design competition held in 1929, it was stipulated that the church should accommodate 1200 people and have a tall tower that could be used for the upcoming "broadcast" in Iceland. The tower is still used by radio and telephone companies for broadcasting.

The State Architect, Guðjón Samúelsson (1887 – 1950), one of the country's most respected architects, began designing the church in 1937. A national style characterized his architecture, as did many of his colleagues in the Nordic countries at the time. The main building of the University of Iceland, the National Theatre and Christ Church in Landakot are among his creations. He used Icelandic models and materials. Hallgrímskirkja, which was his last work, is reminiscent of columnar rocks, Icelandic mountains and glaciers.

Until 1940, Reykjavík had one congregation, but that year three new parishes were founded, including Hallgrímssókn. Construction of Hallgrímskirkja began in 1945, and in 1948 the choir cellar was consecrated as a church hall. Mass was celebrated there until a new church hall was opened in the south wing of the tower in 1974. The church itself was then consecrated on 26 October 1986, the day before the 312th anniversary of Hallgrím Pétursson's birth, the same year that Reykjavík celebrated its 200th anniversary.

The state and city supported the project, but two-thirds of the construction cost came from the church's funds and from private sources. Many of the artwork and church artifacts are gifts from individuals and organizations, given as memorials or to promote church work.

Celebrations, social and artistic life

Masses are held every Sunday at 11 am and Wednesdays at 9 am. Mass is held in English at 2 pm on the last Sunday of each month. Quiet hours are held in the winter on Thursdays at noon. There is also a strong educational program as well as children's and youth work at the church.

The Women's Association of Hallgrímskirkja was founded in 1942 and has supported the church's work in various ways, both through donations to the building fund at the time and the purchase of mass vestments, baptismal fonts and more.

The church's artistic and cultural life is diverse and dynamic. Most concerts are organized by the church, but the church can also be rented for concerts. Art exhibitions are diverse but were closed during the COVID-19 period. The Hallgrímskirkja Art Museum, founded in 1996, is responsible for the church's art collection.

The church store, Guðbrandsstofa, offers a variety of merchandise related to the church, such as Passion hymns in various languages, CDs with the singing of the church choirs and the organ playing of the cantor, as well as music that has been recorded in the church.