Reykjavik, Iceland: Three iconic buildings: Hallgrimskirkja Church + Harpa Concert Hall + Höfði House; things to do

Three Iconic Buildings in Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church  

101 Reykjavik.  Daily 9am-5pm, to 9pm in summer.  Free; admission fee for tower.  

The tallest building in town, this architecturally interesting Lutheran church (more than 95% of Icelanders are Lutheran) can be seen from almost everywhere in town.  Its interior is stark and filled with light.  It features a sweeping two-sided staircase to heaven, or you can take an elevator.

exterior of Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik, Iceland

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre  

Resembling an enormous honeycomb, sun shimmers through the unusual geometric windows.  This state-of-the-art building was completed in 2011 and is home to the Icelandic symphony and opera.  It also hosts art exhibitions, musical performances, and international conferences.  A good restaurant offers a view of the harbor’s icy blue waters. 

exterior of Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland

Höfði House  

This famous 1909 house is where presidents Mikhail Gorbachov and Ronald Reagan met for the Reykjavik summit in 1986.

exterior of Höfði House in Reykjavik, Iceland

More things to do in Reykjavik.

Things to do in Iceland's Northeast.

More ideas for exploring Europe.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers