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must-visit in AkureyriChurch & Religious Site

Akureyrarkirkja

📍 Kaupvangsstraeti 21, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyrarkirkja
1 photos
4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Iceland, Akureyri
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
30-45 minutes
Address
Kaupvangsstraeti 21, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
Coordinates
65.6880, -18.0990

Introduction

Akureyrarkirkja (the Church of Akureyri) crowns the highest point of Akureyri, the 'capital of northern Iceland', designed by the noted Icelandic architect Gudjon Samuelsson - architect of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja - and completed in 1940. Its stepped concrete facade evokes Iceland's volcanic basalt columns and stands out sharply against the town's low roofline; a long flight of outdoor concrete steps leads to the door, with views over Eyjafjordur and the 'capital of flowers' from the top. Entry is free, with voluntary donations welcomed. Highlights include a large organ of 3,200 pipes; a central stained glass window from Coventry Cathedral in England, given after that cathedral was bombed in the Second World War; bas-reliefs on the nave balcony by the Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson; an 1863 altarpiece; a baptismal font modelled on Bertel Thorvaldsen's work; and a traditional model ship hanging from the ceiling, reflecting Iceland's seafaring tradition and the old custom of praying for family at sea. An information sheet near the entrance hall covers the history of the window and the organ. Opening hours are not fixed and shift with services, weddings, funerals and concerts, so follow the notice board at the door; for step-free access there is a side entrance by the rear car park.

✨ Highlights

1
By Samuelsson
Designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, architect of Hallgrimskirkja, and completed in 1940 - the symbol of Akureyri.
2
A Basalt Column Facade
The stepped concrete facade evokes Iceland's volcanic basalt columns, standing out against the town's low skyline.
3
The 3,200-Pipe Organ
A large organ of 3,200 pipes whose volume and tone fill the stone nave.
4
The Coventry Window
The central stained glass came from Coventry Cathedral in England, given after that cathedral was bombed in World War II.
5
Sveinsson's Bas-Reliefs
Bas-reliefs on the nave balcony by the Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, plus an 1863 altarpiece and a Thorvaldsen-style font.
6
Fjord and Flower Capital
Up the long steps you look over Eyjafjordur and Akureyri, the 'capital of flowers' of northern Iceland.

🛈 Practical Info

→Accessibility：The main door requires a long flight of outdoor concrete steps; there is a fully accessible side entrance behind the rear car park, recommended for wheelchairs and prams
→Parking：Free short-term street parking and dedicated spaces behind the church
→Visiting etiquette：This is an active Lutheran church: dress respectfully, keep quiet inside the nave, and do not enter during services or ceremonies
→Duration：30-45 minutes for the nave, organ, window and reliefs, plus the climb to the top of the steps for the panorama
→Combine with：Downtown Hafnarstraeti shopping right below; also nearby are the Akureyri Botanical Garden and the Akureyri Art Museum
→Transportation：Akureyri town

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only
Tuesday15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only
Wednesday15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only
Thursday15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only
Friday15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only
SaturdayNo published visitor hours
SundayNo published visitor hours

The summer opening page says the evening church runs from 2 June to 30 August, Monday to Friday 15:00 to 18:00 with staff present in the church during that time, warns that the building closes whenever funerals or other services are held with that notice posted on the church door, and gives 462 7700 and [email protected] for enquiries; the winter week schedule elsewhere on the site lists services and activities rather than visitor hours.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free entry, with voluntary donations welcomed for the upkeep of the building

💡 Tips

• Hours are not fixed - read the notice board at the door first.
• Entry is free; a small donation helps maintain the church.
• Long steps to the main door; a fully accessible side entrance is behind the rear car park.
• The stained glass came from Coventry Cathedral - do not miss it.
• Look for Asmundur Sveinsson's bas-reliefs on the nave balcony.
• Climb to the top of the steps for the fjord and flower-capital view.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Akureyrarkirkja?

Monday: 15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only; Tuesday: 15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only; Wednesday: 15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only; Thursday: 15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only; Friday: 15:00-18:00, 2 June to 30 August only; Saturday: No published visitor hours; Sunday: No published visitor hours; The summer opening page says the evening church runs from 2 June to 30 August, Monday to Friday 15:00 to 18:00 with staff present in the church during that time, warns that the building closes whenever funerals or other services are held with that notice posted on the church door, and gives 462 7700 and [email protected] for enquiries; the winter week schedule elsewhere on the site lists services and activities rather than visitor hours.

How much is the admission for Akureyrarkirkja?

Adult: Free; Free entry, with voluntary donations welcomed for the upkeep of the building

Any practical tips for visiting Akureyrarkirkja?

Hours are not fixed - read the notice board at the door first. Entry is free; a small donation helps maintain the church.

How long should I spend at Akureyrarkirkja?

A typical visit takes 30-45 minutes.

Details here follow akureyrarkirkja.is; hours, prices and access change with the season and events, so please check akureyrarkirkja.is before you go.