Iceland, the land of fire and ice, captivates visitors with its otherworldly landscapes, rugged terrains, and rich cultural heritage. Amidst the natural wonders, a collection of remarkable architectural feats stand as a testament to human creativity and innovation. From historic structures that tell tales of the past to modern masterpieces that harmonize with the surroundings. In this article, we will explore nine most famous buildings in Iceland, and how they reflect the culture, history, and creativity of the Icelandic people.
1. Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is the largest and most iconic church in Iceland, located in the capital city of Reykjavík. It was named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century poet and clergyman who wrote the Passion Hymns, a collection of poems about the suffering of Christ. The church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, a state architect who was inspired by the natural features of Iceland, such as the basalt columns, glaciers and mountains. The construction of the church began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, after Samúelsson's death.
The church has a distinctive expressionist style, with a 74.5-meter-high tower that resembles an organ pipe and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The interior of the church is simple and elegant, with a large pipe organ that has 5,275 pipes and is often used for concerts. The church also has a statue of Leifur Eiríksson, the Norse explorer who is believed to have reached America before Columbus. Hallgrímskirkja is a popular tourist attraction, as it offers a panoramic view of Reykjavík from its observation deck. It is also a living church that hosts regular services and ceremonies for the Lutheran community of Iceland.
2. Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa Concert Hall is a stunning architectural landmark in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with the Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. The building features a distinctive facade of geometric glass panels that reflect the light and colors of the sky and the sea. The concert hall hosts a variety of musical and cultural events, ranging from classical concerts to pop shows, as well as conferences, exhibitions, and festivals. Harpa Concert Hall is also home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. The concert hall has four main halls, each with its own unique acoustic and aesthetic qualities.
The largest hall, Eldborg, can seat up to 1800 people and has a red interior that evokes the volcanic landscape of Iceland. The second largest hall, Norðurljós, can seat up to 520 people and has a blue interior that mimics the northern lights. The third hall, Silfurberg, can seat up to 840 people and has a silver interior that reflects the glacial ice. The fourth hall, Kaldalón, can seat up to 240 people and has a green interior that resembles the grassy fields.
Harpa Concert Hall is not only a cultural center, but also a symbol of Iceland's resilience and creativity. It was completed in 2011, after overcoming the financial crisis that hit the country in 2008. The concert hall has won several awards for its design and functionality, such as the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013 and the World Architecture Festival Award in 2011. Harpa Concert Hall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Reykjavik, as it offers a unique experience of art, music, and nature.
3. Perlan
Perlan in Reykjavik is a remarkable building that combines art, science, and nature. It stands on a hill overlooking the city, and features a glass dome that houses a planetarium, a museum, and a restaurant.
The museum showcases Iceland's natural wonders, such as glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers. The planetarium offers immersive shows about the northern lights, the solar system, and the origins of life. The restaurant serves delicious dishes made from local ingredients, and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Perlan is more than just a building, it is a destination that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Iceland.
4. Árbaer Open Air Museum
Árbaer Open Air Museum is a historical museum in Reykjavik, Iceland. It consists of more than 20 buildings that form a town square, a village and a farm. Most of the buildings have been relocated from central Reykjavik. The museum aims to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of Iceland and to show how people lived in the past.
Visitors can see various types of houses, such as turf houses, timber houses and stone houses. They can also learn about the traditional crafts, occupations and lifestyles of the Icelandic people. The museum also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, such as Christmas celebrations, folk dancing and sheep shearing. Árbaer Open Air Museum is a place where visitors can experience a day out of time and learn about Reykjavik's history and culture.
5. Hofdi House
Hofdi House is a historic building in Reykjavik, Iceland, that was the site of the 1986 Reykjavik Summit between US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The summit was a milestone in the efforts to end the Cold War.
The house was built in 1909 for the French consul Jean-Paul Brillouin and has a Jugendstil style. It was later owned by poet and businessman Einar Benediktsson, who also initiated the first radio communications between Iceland and the outside world from the same location in 1905. The house was then used by the British Embassy until 1958, when it was sold to the city of Reykjavik. The house is now used for formal receptions and festive occasions. According to local legend, the house is haunted by the spirit of a young woman who died there.
6. National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Iceland from the Viking Age to the present day. It was founded in 1863 and moved to its current location at Suðurgata 41 in Reykjavik in 1950.
The museum has about 2,000 objects on display, including archaeological artifacts, historical documents, artworks, and folk items. One of the most famous objects is the Valþjófsstaður door, a wooden door carved with a scene of a knight and a lion from a medieval legend. The museum's permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, aims to provide insight into the Icelandic nation's identity, values, and traditions.
7. Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, built in 1878 at the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1886 and rebuilt in 1929 as a concrete tower with a traditional look.
The lighthouse has a height of 31 meters and a focal plane of 73 meters above sea level. It emits a group of two white flashes every 30 seconds to guide ships to Reykjavík and Keflavík. The lighthouse also has a DGPS antenna on its roof and a two-story keeper's residence nearby. The area around the lighthouse is geothermally active and often produces steam that can be seen in photos. Reykjanesviti Lighthouse is a historic and scenic landmark that can be explored on a self-drive tour in Iceland.
8. Akureyri Church
Akureyri Church is a prominent Lutheran church in the city of Akureyri, northern Iceland. It was designed by the renowned architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, and completed in 1940. The church has a distinctive Art Deco style, with twin spires and a long stairway leading up to it. The church contains many artistic features, such as a stained-glass window from England, bas-reliefs by Ásmundur Sveinsson, and a baptismal font by Corrado Vigni.
The church is located on a hill above the city center and can be reached by a long stairway. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Akureyri and a symbol of its cultural heritage.
9. Höfðatorg Tower 1
Höfðatorg Tower 1 is one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, located near the center of Reykjavík. It was designed by PK Arkitektar and completed in 2009. The tower has 19 floors and reaches a height of 74 meters (243 feet). It is part of a complex called Höfðatorg, which means "headland market" in Icelandic.
The complex is named after the nearby house Höfði, which is famous for hosting the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that marked the end of the Cold War. Höfðatorg Tower 1 is mainly used as an office building, but it also has a restaurant, a gym, and a conference center. The tower offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
Summary
Each of these top nine famous buildings in Iceland embodies a distinct facet of the country's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and architectural ingenuity. From soaring churches to historic houses, these structures stand as testaments to human creativity and the enduring allure of this captivating Nordic island nation.
Watch more video: TOP 10 Tallest Building in Iceland
Leave a Comment