Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyrarkirkja is the cathedral church of Akureyri and the most prominent building in Iceland’s second-largest city, designed by the same architect as Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, Guðjón Samúelsson, and consecrated in 1940. Its twin towers rise from a hillside above the town, accessible by a broad staircase from the main shopping street, and the views from the church steps over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains are spectacular.

Inside, the church is notable for its large central stained-glass window — originally from Coventry Cathedral before that building was destroyed in the Second World War — and a ship model hanging from the ceiling in the traditional Icelandic manner, a votive offering for sailors’ safe return. The organ is one of the finest in Iceland.

Akureyrarkirkja is open to visitors throughout the day in summer (reduced hours in winter). Entry is free. The church is a natural starting point for exploring Akureyri’s compact and very walkable city centre.