Churches to Visit in Iceland

Iceland’s churches are small and scattered, from turf-roofed chapels to white timber churches under the mountains, but one is known around the world: Hallgrímskirkja, the great concrete tower that stands over Reykjavík. This chapter begins there.

The pale concrete tower of Hallgrímskirkja behind the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, against a blue sky — Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík — where this guide to Iceland begins. Photograph by Michael Fischer on Pexels.

Most visitors arrive at Keflavík Airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík by the Flybus, and Hallgrímskirkja is one of the bus’s own hotel stops.

Where to start

Hallgrímskirkja

Iceland’s largest church, a tower of concrete columns with a lift to the top and a great organ. Free; tower 1,500 ISK.

Reykjavík

Practical notes

At a glance
Services	Most of Iceland’s churches are Lutheran; Sunday services usually close them to sightseeing for the morning
Admission	Churches are usually free; towers and concerts charge
Payment	Cards are taken almost everywhere; Hallgrímskirkja’s shop does not take Amex or Discover
Getting around	Central Reykjavík is walkable; the Flybus links the city with Keflavík Airport

Coming next

Skálholt Cathedral on the Golden Circle and Akureyri’s hilltop church in the north are the obvious next additions.