Domkirkjan Church

Domkirkjan or Dómkirkjan í Reykjavík is a neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral situated next to Alþingi (Parliament House of Iceland). It holds a special place historically and religiously in Icelanders' hearts with its past and architecture.

The church is in Austurvollur public square, downtown Reykjavik, not far from the Parliament House. There’s a reason why it’s been located in such an outstanding place – it’s the main Evangelical Lutheran church and the site where the Bishop of Iceland sits. 

Full address: Kirkjustræti, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Domkirkjan can be reached by foot, basically anywhere from the city center. It’s just about a 30-minute walk from Miðborg (city center). But if you’re planning to go there from further places such as Keflavik airport, it will take you less than an hour to reach it as these two places are 51 kilometers apart, following route 41.

What is there to know about Domkirkjan? Here are a few general facts about this attraction:

• The church was built in 1787 and consecrated in 1796.
• It’s an Evangelical Lutheran church.
• The word “Domkirkja” translates to “cathedral” in Icelandic.
• Architectural style: neoclassic.
• Designed by Danish architect Andreas Kirkerup.

The construction of the church began back in 1787 and was completed in 1796. Its design was created by architect Andreas Kirkerup. Domkirkjan’s last restoration took place in 1999-2000. Domkirkjan is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran and also the main base of the bishop of Iceland.

From the 18th century to this day, it’s recognized as an important cultural symbol, especially having a close relation with the parliament, which stands next to it. In the 19th century, The Alþingi (Parliament) would start their gathering with a mass at the Domkirkjan, and only later would the members of the parliament go to the parliament house.

This beautiful white church with a pastel green roof is of neoclassical style. Its inside is no less special, with a striking altarpiece and an antependium decorated with gilded silver – a work of silversmith Halldór Kristinsson. Once inside the church, you’ll find yourself not only in the house of religion but also in an architectural paradise.

The church is used for mass on Sunday and sometimes Saturday. On Tuesday, at 12 AM, prayer services are held. The building is also used for occasional concerts, confirmation classes, and meetings.

While the church is open all year, it’s quite important to know its opening hours. Domkirkjan is open to the public from 10 AM to 2 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, it’s closed, and on Sunday, it’s open from 10 AM to 12 PM.

The church is in a convenient location from which you can reach other interesting attractions. Here are a few of them: 

• Alþingishúsið (Iceland’s Parliament House) – the Parliament house that was built in 1880-1881. While you won’t be able to get inside the building, you can find the oldest public garden here that’s open to those with a curious mind.
  
  
• Reykjavík's City Hall – the building with the mayor's offices that also has a 3D map of the city. Here, you can also find an information center for tourists providing useful information.   
  
  
• Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre – an aesthetically pleasing glass building whose design was inspired by the Icelandic nature that surrounds the capital. The building is also a cultural hub where various concerts, performances, and conferences take place.
  
  
• Hallgrimskirkja – a  Lutheran parish church that was named after the poet Hallgrímur Pétursson. It’s another architectural piece inspired by Iceland’s nature holding the record of the highest church in Iceland (74.5 meters). 
  
  
• Sun Voyager – a steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. Placed in a stunning location, it invites visitors for a lovely picture. The sculpture represents light and hope, also recognized as a “dream boat.” 
  
  
• The Settlement Exhibition – if you’re interested in Iceland’s history, then this exhibition will answer your questions or make you wonder even harder about Icelanders' past. The main element of the exhibition is findings from the Settlement Age, which were found back in 2001.   
  
  
• National Museum of Iceland – a museum that provides thorough information about Icelandic history and culture from early ages to modern times. The museum was established in 1863 and first called the Antiquarian Collection. In 1911, it became the National Museum of Iceland.
  
  
• Perlan Museum – a modern glass dome that’s known to be an interactive museum, sitting on six heating tanks. “The Pearl” opens a  fantastic view of the city and entertains people with a planetarium, ice cave, glacier exhibitions, and the Northern Lights show.

Visiting Domkirkjan and other prominent places in the city might take a while, so why not stay overnight? Especially when there are plenty of accommodation variants to choose from. 

Hotels

• Kvosin Downtown Hotel
• Hotel Reykjavík Saga
• Hotel Borg by Keahotels
• Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik

Guesthouses and hostels

• Downtown Guesthouse Reykjavik
• Central Guesthouse Reykjavik
• HH Guesthouse
• Kex Hostel Reykjavik