Iceland is filled with natural splendor everywhere you look. In the capital city of Reykjavik there are manmade wonders which are worthy of your time as well.
Hallgrímskirkja
A national sanctuary, active church, and the most recognizable building in Iceland stands 244’ tall, visible from just about anywhere you look in the capital.
Kirkja means church, this being the largest one in Iceland. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson modeled the church after the distinct and angular way that lava cools into basalt rock.
You can see examples of this in nature on the south coast at the famous Reynisfjara Beach in Vik.
The church was named for a famous Icelandic clergyman and poet of the 1600s. Construction started in 1945 and remarkably ended over 40 years later in 1986. It is free to enter and inside there is the largest pipe organ in the country.
You can pay to take the elevator to the top for a fantastic view of Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Seemingly guarding the church, yet predating its construction, is a statue of the Viking explorer Leif Erikson who lived circa 970-1020.
This monument was a gift from the United States on the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland’s Þingvellir Parliament.
Erikson was the first European to set foot in America over a thousand years ago, half a century before Christopher Columbus.
Harpa
Regardless of whether you’re seeing a concert or not, this glimmering architectural treasure is worth witnessing.
Designed by artist Olafur Eliasson this unique geometric looking pattern is also inspired by basalt, which forms in a number of odd ways such as these Echo Rocks in Vesturdalur.
Construction on the building began in 2007, right before Iceland’s crippling financial crisis. It was uncertain if the structure would be completed, but the government backed the project and for years it was the only construction going on in the entire island! Walk around back to see the harbor reflecting on the colorful panels.
Behind the building there is a lovely cheerful yellow lighthouse as well.
You don’t need tickets to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra or opera to go inside and take a look around. It is free to enter, there are shops, restaurants, and guided tours.
Sun Voyager
Is it a Viking ship seeking a new land beyond the horizon…or a dreamboat symbolizing light and hope? However you interpret artist Jón Gunnar Árnason’s landmark sculpture, it embodies the magical elements of adventure in Iceland.
The crown jewel of the Sculpture and Shore Walk seems to be floating on air beside the Atlantic Ocean with Mt. Esjan looming in the background. It was made to honor the 200th anniversary of the city and is an ode to the sun. Pro tip: If you’re driving there is a pull off to park right beside the sculpture where you can snap a quick picture, it is paid during prime hours if you plan on lingering.