Discover Hallgrimskirkja’s entry fees and opening times. Plan your visit to Reykjavik’s landmark church with my essential visitor guide.
About Hallgrimskirkja
Dominating the Reykjavik skyline, Hallgrimskirkja isn’t just a church; it’s a navigational north star for anyone wandering the city. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, its stepped concrete façade mimics the basalt lava columns found in Iceland’s nature. It took 41 years to build, finally completed in 1986. While the sanctuary is a peaceful place for reflection, the real draw for many is the tower, offering expansive views over the colourful corrugated iron rooftops to the bay beyond.
Hallgrimskirkja: Ticket price guide
The first time I saw Hallgrimskirkja, I was struck by how it looms over the city like a protective stone giant. It’s visible from almost everywhere in Reykjavik, making it impossible to lose your bearings. Unlike the ornate cathedrals of mainland Europe, its interior is stark and minimalist, letting the massive pipe organ take centre stage.
Quick answer: How much does it cost?
You can enter the main church sanctuary for free. However, if you want to take the lift up to the viewing tower, you will need to pay.
For 2025, a standard adult tower ticket costs 1,400 ISK (approx. £8). Children aged 7–16 pay a nominal fee of 200 ISK, and kids under 7 go free. The tower is open daily but closes during Sunday mass.
At a glance
| Price (Adult) | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| 1,400 ISK | 09:00–20:00 (Summer) 10:00–17:00 (Winter) | Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík | Church entry Kids under 7 (Tower) | 15 mins before closing |
How much does Hallgrimskirkja cost?
While the nave is free, the tower generates the funds needed to maintain the building. Tickets are purchased inside the church shop, just to the left of the entrance. When I visited, they did not accept cash at the automated kiosks, so bring a card.
Tower admission prices (2025)
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
| Adult | 1,400 ISK | Visitors aged 17–66 |
| Child | 200 ISK | Visitors aged 7–16 |
| Infant | Free | Children aged 0–6 |
| Concession | 1,000 ISK | Seniors (67+), students with ID, disabled visitors |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always check the official site before your trip.
Why book the Reykjavik City Card (48-hour)?
- Free entry to top Reykjavik attractions: Visit museums, galleries and cultural sites without paying separate entrance fees.
- Unlimited public transport included: Use buses across Reykjavik city for 48 hours without extra cost — great for easy sightseeing.
- Two-day convenient pass: Covering 48 hours, it offers flexibility to explore at your own pace across two days.
- Cost-effective for multiple visits: Ideal if you plan to visit several attractions — saves money compared with paying entry individually.
- Easy digital voucher format: Receive the pass as a voucher on your phone — no need to print any tickets or vouchers.
Is Hallgrimskirkja free to enter?
Yes, the church itself is completely free to explore. You can walk in, sit in the pews, and view the famous pipe organ without a ticket. The fee only applies if you want to use the lift to the tower observation deck.
What time does Hallgrimskirkja open?
Opening hours vary significantly by season. The church operates longer hours during the summer tourist peak.
Summer (Late May – September):
- Daily: 09:00 – 20:00
- Tower closes: 19:45
Winter (October – Early May):
- Daily: 10:00 – 17:00
- Tower closes: 16:30
Warning: The tower and church close during mass on Sundays (usually 10:30 – 12:15). I’ve seen many confused tourists waiting outside during these times, so plan your Sunday visit for the afternoon.
Do I need to book Hallgrimskirkja tickets in advance?
No, you cannot book tickets online in advance. You simply buy them on arrival at the church shop. Queues can form in summer, but they usually move quickly. The lift to the tower is small, so there might be a short wait to go up.
History: A modern monument
The church is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. Construction began in 1945, just after independence from Denmark, symbolising a new national identity. The design was controversial at first; some critics thought it was too radical. Today, it is the most visited site in Iceland.
Inside: What to see
- The Pipe Organ: A massive instrument with 5,275 pipes. It looks like a weapon from a sci-fi film and sounds incredible.
- The Statue of Leifur Eiríksson: Standing proudly outside, this statue of the Viking explorer was a gift from the USA in 1930, predating the church itself.
- The Tower View: The 360-degree observation deck offers the best orientation of Reykjavik’s layout.
What’s included with your ticket?
The paid ticket covers:
- Access to the lift (elevator).
- Entry to the open-air observation deck.
- Views over Reykjavik, the harbour, and Mount Esja.
Things to do near Hallgrimskirkja
Reykjavik is compact, so you are close to many other sights.
Einar Jónsson Museum (1 min walk): Located right next door. It features a free sculpture garden that is open 24/7. The museum itself is fascinating if you like dark, symbolic art.
The Sun Voyager (10-15 min walk): A stunning steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship, located on the waterfront. It’s a perfect photo stop, especially at sunset.
Reykjavik Art Museum – Hafnarhús (15 min walk): A former warehouse by the harbour housing contemporary art. It’s gritty and cool.
National Museum of Iceland (15-20 min walk): The best place to understand Iceland’s history, from settlement to modern times.
Perlan (5 min drive / 25 min walk): A glass dome built on hot water tanks. It hosts the “Wonders of Iceland” exhibition, including an indoor ice cave.
Practical tips
- Get there early: In summer, tour buses arrive by 10:00. Arrive at 09:00 for a quieter experience.
- Dress warmly: The viewing deck is open-air and can be very windy, even in summer.
- Photography: You can take photos inside, but flash is forbidden during services.
- Accessibility: The church and tower lift are wheelchair accessible, but there are a few stairs from the lift to the observation deck.
- Parking: There is a car park directly in front of the church, but it fills up fast.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Is the tower worth the money? | Yes, for the orientation alone. It offers the classic “Reykjavik postcard” view. |
| When are the concerts? | Organ concerts are frequent in summer. Check the notice board in the foyer for times. |
| Can I attend Sunday mass? | Yes, everyone is welcome. Mass is usually at 11:00. |
More Iceland travel
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