Reykjavik’s Hallgrimskirkja is world-renowned and is an interesting architectural feature of the town’s skyline. Walking up the main street this great building looms in front of you; its central tower seemingly supported by the shaped "organ pipes" that make its appearance so memorable. A lone statue (donated by USA in 1930 to mark 1000 years of the Icelandic parliament) of Leifur Eriksson, "Discoverer of America", guards the front, dwarfed by the majesty of the symbolically white church with its 73 metre tall steeple. It’s a fair walk from the statue to the front doors and once pushed you should try to look beyond the entrance hall into the main body of the church.
The modern church has a bright, crisp appearance and seems absolutely vast. The impressive stainless steel organ pipes are at the entrance to the church and these too echo the theme of modern and up to date. These pipes dominate the church and they have real interest if viewed from all angles from the body of the church. Below the organ pipes is a well-executed statue of Jesus – the detail is precise but it somehow seems to be incorrectly placed at the door to the church.
When we visited the organ was being played and we were able to appreciate the truly amazing acoustics of the church. It was a privilege to listen to this "free concert" as we explored the attributes of Reykjavik’s church. Its curvaceous arches soar heavenward and the modern glass font stands just in front of the sleek pulpit. Narrow plain-glassed windows let in shafts of light that cast strange shadows on the bright white interior of the church. And throughout our visit, the 5,000 pipes of the organ blasted out their enchanting melodies.
For a small charge, you can take the lift to the bell tower and appreciate the breathtaking views of the town from one of its best vantage points. The small lift does not rush, but it certainly beats walking up the stairs. When we were up there, the bells rang out 2pm – not quite deafening, but we were pleased we hadn’t been there two hours earlier! Upstairs is somewhat unkempt – I guess a result of the bell tower being so exposed to the harsh elements of Reykjavik.
Before you leave the church, make sure you check out the view from the back. The church takes on a much softer appearance, and Guōjón Samuelsson’s controversial architecture can be truly appreciated. Still, the church, the foundations of which were laid at the end of World War II, remains unfinished. I’m not sure what is left to do, but it is rumoured that no one in Reykjavik will even guess at a completion date!
I’m not convinced that Hallgrimskirkja represents a spiritual experience, as the church somehow seems too clinical, but it has a great presence, and we enjoyed the views and a photographic exhibition of Hallgrimskirkja throughout the seasons.