Íslenska
Landmarks & Monuments in Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is one of the major historical landmarks in Iceland located in the heart of Reykjavik. Hallgrímskirkja interpreted in English is ‘Church of Hallgrimur’; this beautifully crafted architectural edifice looms over Iceland’s bubbly capital. It is so conspicuous that it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city; rising 74.5 meters above the city center, this makes it the second tallest building in Iceland.
It took years to finally reach a conclusion about where to build a church that was to be named in tribute to one of Iceland’s renowned poet and pastor, Hallgrímur Pétursson. Eventually, in 1937, this architectural masterpiece’s blueprint was drawn by the State Architect of Iceland, Guðjón Samuelsson. He got the inspiration for the blueprint of the church from the amazing natural landscape of Iceland; from the shapes formed by cooled lava to the glaciers and the sky-high mountains.
However, the onset of World War 2 hindered the commencement of the church construction. The construction of the church took off in 1945 after the war had ended; a monumental project such as Hallgrímskirkja was done in phases. The crypt underneath the chancel was constructed first and was blessed in 1948; followed by the construction of the spire and the extension which was blessed in 1974 while the final stage of the construction of this model church was completed in 1986. It took a total of 41 years to build the Hallgrímskirkja; a historical masterpiece that has drawn tourists from the world over to appreciate its magnificent beauty as it stands tall in all its glory above the city center of Reykjavik. Inside of this great masterpiece is surprisingly the opposite of the grandeur of its imposing external outlook; simple with tall columns of grey side by side towards the aisle right up to the altar; rows of seats in wood and basalt coloration complemented with massive windows. The most arresting feature of the inside of this historical landmark is the pipe-organ that was included in December 1992. This 25-ton pipe organ is 50 ft high, is made up of 5,275 pipes; it was built by a German builder, Johannes Klaishas.
In the Church’s square is a bold standing statue of Leifur Eiriksson, a Norse explorer; the first European to get to North America, 500 years before Christopher Colombus. An escalator through the bell tower of the Hallgrímskirkja takes you to an open-air landing where you can revel in the breathtaking view of the city. For a night vision view of Hallgrímskirkja; a visit in the evening will do just fine as you will be faced with a different shade of grandeur of this monumental piece of architecture with the lights illuminating the entire structure. Two big bronze doors were the latest addition to Hallgrímskirkja. The doors were fixed in 2010 and it has written on it “Komið til mín” which means “Come to me” Right at the top of the entrance, a verse from Hymns of Passion is written, a book that contains the hymns by Hallgrímur Pétursson, whom the church is named after.
Perlan
Have you ever thought about why Iceland is one of the most topologically operational places in the world? It is endowed with an array of natural elements, from volcanoes to earthquakes and glaciers. However, this is just a part of what makes Iceland distinctively exceptional. Perlan is yet another major landmark and a Nature Exploratorium strategically positioned on the highest hill, Öskjuhlíð in Reykjavik. Perlan or “the Pearl” is an epochal glass dome building placed on top of six huge storage water tanks; it was designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson. The name Perlan was derived from the structure of the building, which is shaped like a pearl. On the ground floor inside Perlan is an exhibition space of 10,000 cubic meters named the ‘Winter Garden’. There, you get to visit a lovely exhibition where you get to know and have a first-hand experience of the unique beauty of nature in Iceland in a very amazing and memorable way.
You get to have a real feel of the first man-made indoor ice cave in the world! The cave is built in one of Perlan’s six hot water tanks and the temperature inside the ice cave is unbelievably cold at -10C (14F). This is one of the few historical landmarks/monuments in Iceland that gives visitors a feel of what peak winter periods are like.
A large observatory landing is situated on the fourth floor of Perlan. It has a 360-degree view right over Reykjavik and its environs. On a very bright day, when the weather is clear, you are privy to see the mountain Keilir in the south and the renowned Snæfellsjökull glacier in the northern axis. Also, in the glass dome is a distinctive restaurant, Út í bláinn. From the restaurant, you get to have a stunning view of all angles and it is a fantastic spot for delicious meals. However, if you want to snack, there is also a café where you can get a variety along with drinks. Just in case you want to window shop or get some special gifts or souvenirs, Rammagerðin is a gift store in Perlan that you can visit. It was founded in 1940. The Aurora- Northern Lights Planetarium show is also featured at Perlan. It is an enthralling natural light show that will make a vivid and lasting impression in your memory for a long time to come! A visit to Perlan is a combo of thrilling experiences.
The Sun Voyager
The gleaming steel sculpture on Reykjavik’s splendid waterfront that resembles a Viking long-ship is the ‘Sólfar’ or ‘Sun Voyager.’ The striking landmark was created by Icelandic sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason. Many locals enjoy a stroll by the seaside and marvel the view of the bay with Mt. Esja in the background. The Sun Voyager is also a great attraction for tourists. It offers a superb photo opportunity, especially when the sun is setting.
Sólfarið is situated at the seashore of Reykjavik near the city center, it is a short walk from east of Harpa Concert Hall. It is yet another fantastic monumental landmark in Reykjavík. However, there is a general misconception that the sun voyager is a Viking ship by tourists, but it is actually a dreamboat and an ode to the sun. The artist says that the ship represents “the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom”. This amazing work of art represents unexplored regions, a vision of aspiration, development, and liberty. The Sun Voyager was the winning work of art by Jón Gunnar Árnason in a contest of outdoor sculpture organized by the local association of the west of the city in 1986; this was to commemorate Reykjavik’s 200th year anniversary. The Sun Voyager is not only one of the major landmarks/monuments in Iceland; it is also one of the crowd-pulling attractions in Reykjavik being a much-loved selfie location.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center
Harpa is another of Reykjavik’s highly distinguished landmarks situated in the heart of the Reykjavik, a concert hall and a conference center. Harpa being the first bespoke concert hall in Reykjavik was set in motion in deliberation with artistic adviser Vladimir Ashkenazy and international consultant Jasper Parrott of Harrison Parrott. The major designers are Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects and Icelandic architectural firm Batteriid Architect in conjunction with celebrated visual artist, Olafur Eliasson. It is also a beneficiary of the highly esteemed Mies Van der Rohe award for architecture. This award has attracted millions of travellers to this stunning edifice since its grand opening on 4th May 2011. The contemporary architectural building structure arrests attention with a series of coloured glass of different shapes adorning it, reflecting amazingly different colours in the sunlight.
This cultural and social center provides the best resources for concerts and conferences. There are two impressive restaurants in Harpa namely, Smurstödin on the first floor and Kolabraut, on the fourth floor. It houses the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Harpa has four halls, 1,800–seat theatre, sufficient meeting space, catering services and exclusive shops. It provides a great view of Mount Esja and the Reykjavik harbor. Harpa’s unique building design makes it easy to spot.
Grótta Lighthouse
Grótta Lighthouse is a small lighthouse located at the north-western part of Reykjavik, Iceland, another historical and ancient landmark. Positioned on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, it is an ideal setting to relish the environment by taking a walk, having a nice time watching the Northern Lights. There was a lighthouse at Grótta since 1897 but the present one has been in existent since 1947. The lighthouse’ connection to the electric grid was effected in 1956.
According to history, there was a farm on the site in the 16th Century, which is most likely where it got its name from; it was noted to be gotten from an old word referring to a wheat-grinding mill. Grótta is well-known for its vast birdlife, hence it has been a nature reserve as far back as 1974. Interestingly, Grótta is now one of the frequently visited sites in Reykjavík all year round.
Ásmundarsafn
Ásmundarsafn is another historical masterpiece in Reykjavík; this dome structured building was a one-time home and workroom of the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) He planned and did most of the building himself. The museum’s function is to conserve the sculptor’s life and work. It showcases a stockpile of his sculptures inside and all around the building. Ásmundur’s art clearly indicates his interest in the Icelandic legends, fables, and traditional lore.
The building is a spectacular architectural piece, influenced by the Mosques of the Middle East and Egyptian pyramids. The amazing sculpture courtyard can be accessed for free at all times. The museum also accommodates a design shop. The creativity reflected in the building structure of the Ásmundarsafn makes it a crowd puller anytime, any day!
Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhús) is a spectacular building structure on the north side of the Lake Tjörnin. This striking and contemporary building at the centre of Reykjavík, is a landmark that celebrates nature, it is uniquely purposed to bring birdlife to the city center. It was opened in 1992; the Mayor and other executive officials of Reykjavík have offices there. The building is used as a museum of some sort as it hosts continuous outflow of fresh and exhilarating shows. A constant preference in the exhibition hall is the massive 3D map of Iceland. It is also open to tourists; there is internet access, an advice desk, halls for presentations and a coffee shop.
Landakotskirkja
Landakotskirkja (‘Landakot’s Church‘) is the cathedral of the Catholic Church in Iceland; a well-defined historical monument in western Reykjavík situated on the Landakot estate. The building has a noticeable flat top; its architect is Guðjón Samúelsson; he also built the popular Hallgrímskirkja.
When the distinct building was completed, it was blessed in July 1929; back then, it was the biggest church in Iceland. Presently, worship is still conducted there along with structured mass in Icelandic, English, and Latin. The whole architectural structure is worthy of applause and it will be a memorable experience meeting the warm and amiable locals just in case you have time to spare to join in service.
Imagine Peace Tower
The Imagine Peace Tower is situated on Viðey Island off the coast of Reykjavik. It is a monumental outdoor work of art by Yoko Ono exclusively to honor the remembrance of John Lennon. The historical landmark represents tranquility and delight as it releases a glowing ray of light into the sky and promotes peace prayers in 24 languages.
This unparalleled piece of art was revealed in 2007. The Imagine Peace Tower is lit every year from October 9th which is John’s birthday till December 8th, the commemoration of his death. It is also lit on February 8th to celebrate Yoko’s birthday; in mid-March to mark John and Yoko’s wedding; onset of spring; throughout the Winter Solstice and on New Year’s Eve.
Imagine Peace Tower is a pillar of light that comprises of 15 probing lights with crystals that perform the role of reflectors and throwback the light upright into the sky; at the middle of the tower is a 10 meter broad wishing well. This piece of historical beauty is fueled by eco-friendly geothermal energy; the tower makes use of approximately 75 kW of energy.
Beneath the tower are above 1 million written wishes collected by Yoko Ono in a work she called Wish Trees. The ray of blue light is can be seen from anywhere in the city. Yoko Ono picked Iceland for the positioning of this astounding salute to John Lennon and call for world peace since in her own opinion, “Iceland is a magical and beautiful country”. One cannot help but agree with Yoko Ono’s assertion about Iceland, a country endowed with amazing and monumental landmarks with a thrilling trail of historical facts one of which is this fascinating Imagine Peace Tower.
The Statue of Leifur Eiríksson
Erected at right at the end of Skólavörðustígur Street, in front of Hallgrímskirkja church is one of the renowned landmarks in Reykjavik, the statue of Leifur Eiríksson. Leifur was likely the most popular knight during the time of the Vikings in Iceland; he was the first European to get to America. Leifur’s travel to America was in the year 1000 long before the Christopher Columbus ‘expedition by approximately 500 years.
The statue of Leifur Eiríksson known Leif Eriksson in English was a present from the United States to Iceland to celebrate the 1000-year anniversary of Alþingi, the parliament of Iceland. The statue was created by an American sculptor, Alexander Stirling Calder; he came out tops in the 1929 contest for the design of the mausoleum.
When Iceland participated at the New York World Fair in 1939, in which Iceland participated; it sought approval to make a copy of the statue of Leifur Eiríksson to showcase in the Icelandic dome. The request was approved, and a twin copy was made using the authentic gypsum casts that were kept at the Smithsonian Institution in New York City, and the Swann Memorial Fountain in Philadelphia.
The statue of Leifur Eiriksson has a dominant stance and appearance than any other statue in Reykjavík. This enchanting work of art is the only statue in Reykjavík that has a guard permanently assigned to protect it due to the muck some intoxicated locals caused around it. It is a must-see historical monument for tourists and people holidaying in Iceland.
Listasafn Einars Jónssonar
In 1909, Einar Jónsson (an Icelandic artist and sculptor) offered all his work to the Icelandic people as a gift. However with the condition that a museum would be built for all his work. Unfortunately at the time Einar did not receive a reply from the government about whether they accepted the terms. In 1914, Einar offered the Icelandic people all his work again, he had the same conditions as before. Alþingi (Parliament) accepted the gift and contributed 10.000 ISK for the project, while 20.000 ISK was collected from the public. Einar arrived in Iceland during the autumn with his wife, Anna Jörgensen. He started the process of finding a place to build the museum. The museum was originally supposed to the built on Hverfisgata, on the same site that the National Theatre stands now. Einar thought the site to small for the museum.
In 1921 all of Einars’ artwork was placed in an exhibition hall on the 2nd floor of the museum building. On the ground floor he had a study and a part of their apartment, though the top floor (or in the tower) was a spacious sitting room with small living rooms and bedrooms on either side of the central corridor. The living area on the top floor has been preserved from the time they lived there.
The museum opened its doors on the 24th of June 1923. It was the first art museum in Iceland that was opened to the public.
The museum is considered as Einar’s largest work and Iceland’s first art museum that is open to the public.
The sculpture garden was formally opened on the 8th of June 1984, there had been constructions in the garden for some time before, to make it in the image it is today. Einar and Anna did put a lot of work into the garden, the trees and plants are said to have been planted by Einar. One of the most noteworthy sites in the garden, is a stone circle in the southeast area of the museum building. Today there are 26 sculptures that Einar has made in the garden.
Looking around in the garden is free of charge, but if you plan on visiting the museum be ready to pay an entry fee of around 1.500 ISK.
Höfði House
Höfði is a house in Reykjavík, it is best known as the location for the Reykjavík Summit in 1986 when Ronald Reagan, the President of the United States, and Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Soviet Union met. This meeting was an important step to end the Cold War.
Höfði House was built in 1909. The house was initially built of the French consul Jean-Paul Brillouin in Iceland. At the time of construction it as the largest private estate in the city. Icelandic poet and business man Einar Benediktsson resided there from 1913-1925. Next to hold residence there was painter Louise Matthíasdóttir, she grew up in the house.
Then in the 1940’s and 1950’s the house was home to the British Embassy in Reykjavík. The city of Reykjavík purchased the house in 1958 and restored it, in the years after it was used for formal receptions and festive occasions.
On the 100th birthday of Höðfi House, on the 25th of September, the house got damaged in a fire. Thankfully all irreplaceable artifacts were saved.
Did you know that Höfði House has a local legend? The memoirs of one of the earliest occupants of the house said that a spirit of a young women inhabited the house. Though accounts vary on who this woman is, she is said to be either a suicide or drowning victim. John Greenway, who inhabited the house when the British Embassy resided there, insisted that the house would be sold and the British consulate moved elsewhere. The reason he listed was what he called “bumps in the night”. The same year the house was sold back to the Icelandic government. Some popular local legends differ from the accounts of the houses’ inhabitants, one of the most popular one is that the house is on a Viking burial site. Locals even say that the liquor cabinet of the house is frequently raided by spirits.
