Plizio Visual Lab
Akureyrarkirkja
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
Akureyrarkirkja is the main Lutheran church in Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland. It was designed by the renowned state architect Guðjón Samúelsson and consecrated in 1940. The building's striking architecture shares a clear lineage with Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, as both were inspired by the columnar basalt formations typical of Icelandic nature. One of the unique features inside is a model ship hanging from the ceiling, reflecting an old maritime tradition of praying for the safety of fishermen. Another highlight is the 19th-century altarpiece, which was originally part of a set from Coventry Cathedral in England. Perched on a hill overlooking the town center, the church is reached via a monumental flight of stairs that is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It stands as a defining silhouette of the capital of the North.
- Location: Iceland
- Top sights: Akureyrarkirkja · deiglan · Akureyri Art Museum
- Nearby: Dalvík (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -6 | -6 | -3 | -1 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 3 | -2 | -5 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 110 | 96 | 100 | 87 | 86 | 71 | 98 | 104 | 126 | 132 | 125 | 121 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Akureyrarkirkja is an Evangelical Lutheran church open to visitors. The interior with its distinctive organ and stained glass windows can be viewed free of charge.
Typical hours
The church is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours in summer. During services and events, access may be restricted.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the church without flash. During services, photos should be avoided to not disturb the worship.
Time needed
Visiting the interior takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Those who want to admire the architecture from outside and enjoy the view over town should allow an extra 30 minutes.
Combine with
The church is centrally located on a hill in Akureyri and can be combined with a walk through town and a visit to the botanical garden. The cultural house and pedestrian area are also nearby.
Getting there
The church is a few minutes' walk from Akureyri city center. Alternatively, drive to the parking lot at the foot of the hill and climb the stairs.
Insider tip
Climb the stairs to the church for a fantastic panoramic view over Akureyri and the fjord. The view is especially beautiful during the midnight sun or under the northern lights in winter.
Geography
Facts
- The church was officially consecrated in 1940.
- The pipe organ contains 3,200 pipes and is exceptionally powerful.
- The central stained-glass window is from the old Coventry Cathedral.
- It contains a bass-relief by the famous sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
- A model ship hangs from the ceiling to protect those at sea.
- The architectural style is known as Icelandic Expressionism.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Akureyrarkirkja (10)
Fairytale Figures
Gallery in Akureyri featuring fairy tale figures.
Leikfélag Akureyrar
Theatre in Akureyri with various performances.
Samkomubrúin
Attraction in Akureyri.
Read heart in Trafic lights
Attraction in Akureyri, a heart on a traffic light.
Menningarhúsið Hof
Cultural centre in Akureyri.
David's House🏛 museum
Museum in Akureyri.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who designed Akureyrarkirkja?
It was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same architect who designed Hallgrímskirkja.
What is the church's most famous feature?
The long staircase leading up from the town center and its striking twin towers.
Can you visit the church interior?
Yes, it is usually open to visitors during the day, except during services.
Are there artworks in the church?
Particularly noteworthy are the stained glass windows, some of which come from Coventry Cathedral.
Is there a fee for visiting?
No, entry is free, but small donations are appreciated.
Akureyrarkirkja: where is it located?
Akureyrarkirkja is located in Iceland.
Akureyrarkirkja: what is there to see?
Highlights include Akureyrarkirkja, deiglan, Akureyri Art Museum.
Akureyrarkirkja: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Akureyrarkirkja: why is it worth visiting?
Akureyrarkirkja is the main Lutheran church in Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.
Sauðárkrókur
The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.
Borgarnes
Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its well-preserved old houses and views over the island-dotted B…
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.
Siglufjörður
Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.
Blönduós
Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.
Vopnafjörður
Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður is a town in the East Fjords with a unique historical connection to France.
Skagaströnd
Skagaströnd is located on the Skagi peninsula in North Iceland.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Akureyri Botanical Garden
One of the world's northernmost botanical gardens hosts almost all Icelandic plant species and thousands of foreign plants from cold regi…
Akureyri Port
Akureyri Port is an important hub for fishing and tourism in the north.
Hvitafell Battlefield
Site of historical clashes during the 13th-century Sturlunga Age.
Gásir
Gásir was the main medieval trading post in Northern Iceland.
Munkaþverá
This location housed a Benedictine monastery founded in 1155.
Möðruvellir
Möðruvellir was a significant monastery in the Middle Ages and later a major educational center.
🗺️
Dalsminni Settlement Remains
Archaeological remains of a medieval farmstead.
Laufás
Laufás is a historic turf farm and vicarage representing the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century Icelandic farm.