Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja was constructed using locally sourced reinforced concrete, chosen for its strength and resilience against Iceland’s harsh weather and seismic activity.

Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the church’s facade mimics Iceland’s natural basalt column formations, achieved by casting concrete into tall, fluted forms that taper toward the tower.

Construction began in 1945, with the main structure completed by 1974 and the tower finished in 1986.

The church’s foundation rests on piled concrete footings to anchor it in Reykjavík’s volcanic soil, and the stepped design required meticulous formwork and scaffolding to achieve its dramatic, organic silhouette, making it both an engineering and architectural landmark.