Reykjavik Landmarks and Monuments

(Reykjavik, Capital Area, Iceland)

Containing a number of must-see landmarks and many significant monuments celebrating its Icelandic past, many of the churches in Reykjavik are amongst its most beautiful buildings. In particular, the modern architecture of Reykjavik's imposing Church of Hallgrimur (Hallgrimskirkja) is guaranteed to take your breath away and its pipe organ is of particular interest, featuring more than 5,000 actual pipes, measuring around 15 metres / 50 feet in height.

The neighbouring Island of Vioey, close to central Reykjavik, is a beautiful natural landmark in its own right and it was here that recently in 2007, Yoko Ono unveiled a monument to her late husband John Lennon of Beatles fame, known as the Imagine Peace Tower. Yoko Ono intends to plant a tree for each of the 500,000 'imagine wishes' she has collected, eventually creating a huge forest. The wishes will be buried in small capsules beneath the actual trees and around the peace monument itself.

Hallgrimskirkja (Church of Hallgrimur)

Address: Skólavörouholt, Reykjavik, IS-121, Iceland, IS
Tel: +354 05 10 1000
Iceland's biggest and perhaps most stylish of all contemporary churches, the breathtaking Hallgrimskirkja has been one of Reykjavik's most esteemed landmarks since its was finally completed in 1986, after almost 40 years of construction. Best known to tourists as the Church of Hallgrimur, the Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran State Church and is immediately recognisable by its dramatic steeple and spreading winged-base.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Landakotskirkja (Landakot Church) / Kristskirkja (Christ's Church)

Address: Landakot, Reykjavik, IS-101, Iceland, IS
The imposing Landakotskirkja church was originally known as the 'Basilica of Christ the King' (Basilika Krists Konungs) and lies on the western side of central Reykjavik. At its time of completion in the summer of 1929, the Landakotskirkja became Iceland's biggest church in existence, serving the local Roman Catholic community. Many remarkable wooden statues are located inside.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Island of Vioey

Address: Vioey, Reykjavik, IS-101, Iceland, IS
Situated on the outskirts of Reykjavik, Vioey originated some two million years ago as the direct result of volcanic activity, although it was not until almost 10,000 years ago that it actually rose above the sea. Vioey Island has become a prominent neighbouring landmark and also an important nature reserve, being filled with native Icelandic wildlife.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free