Hallgrímskirkja church is the tallest church in Iceland, and also one of the country's tallest structures. The church was designed in the 1930s but took more than 40 years to build, only opening in the 80s. You may not know it by name, but once you see a photo, you'll probably recognize it. After all, it is one of Iceland's most popular landmarks, and certainly the most and iconic point in Reykjavík's skyline.
Recognize it now?
The church lies at the center of downtown Reykjavík, which, by the way, is the most beautiful city I've ever seen. It is my favorite city, I would love to live there someday.
Anyway, the church is kind of frightening at first, a creepy and dark stone tower that shadows over tiny Reykjavík. It was weird to me. But then, as you get closer, you begin to see the beauty in the structure. It is, in a way, graceful and quiet, something that protects the city form harsh cold, winds, and snow. It begins to look beautiful, at least it did to me.
When you enter, it is huge- open and echo-y with rows and rows of seats, probably enough to fit the city's small population. The inside is warm and beautiful, but the real beauty lies at the top, the top of the tower, way up in the sky. You take an elevator up, (that can only carry six people at a time, it took a while) and then walk up a few flights of stairs. It was cold up there. When you finally get to the top, you are surrounded on all sides by giant round windows, that are clocks. They are pushed open at the base and you can feel the pure and clean Icelandic winds rushing through the room. It is amazing up there. You can see through these windows the whole city- all of it. And beyond, too, past the green hills and harbor and onto the high and steep mountains that protect Reykjavík.
Reykjavík, and the Northern Atlantic beyond. The street that runs down the center of the photo is one of the city's most popular, full of shops and restaurants.
The mountains in the distance, all green and calm. Seen through the bars of the church's old windows.
Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík
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