Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík’s landmark church, its stepped concrete tower designed to echo the basalt columns found across Iceland. It took decades to build and is one of the tallest buildings in the country.

Inside, the simple white nave is home to a huge pipe organ. Take the lift up the tower for a view over the colourful rooftops of Reykjavík to the sea and mountains. Outside stands a statue of the explorer Leif Erikson.

The church sits at the top of Skólavörðustígur, a lively street of shops and cafés that leads down to the old harbour, so it makes a natural start to a walk around the city. Organ concerts are held regularly, and the tall nave makes them memorable.