Lutheran Free Church
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About Lutheran Free Church
The Lutheran Free Church, known in Icelandic as Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík, is a white timber church with a green roof on Fríkirkjuvegur, on the east bank of Tjörnin pond in central Reykjavík. Seen from the opposite shore, with the spire and old houses mirrored in the water, it is one of the most photographed views in the city.
Icelanders who wanted a Lutheran congregation independent of the state church founded it in the fall of 1899. Their quarrel was with how the national church was run rather than with its doctrine, and they took their cue from free churches in Norway and among Icelandic emigrants in North America. The church was consecrated on February 22, 1903, and enlarged soon after to plans by the architect Rögnvaldur Ólafsson.
Inside, the space is plain timber with an organ. Good acoustics have made Fríkirkjan a favorite concert venue, including during the Iceland Airwaves festival, and the church currently lists Sunday services at 14:00 and lunchtime concerts on Thursdays at noon.
No daytime visiting hours are published, so a service or concert is the realistic way inside. Seeing the exterior costs nothing and takes ten minutes, and it fits neatly into a walk around Tjörnin that also passes City Hall and Dómkirkjan cathedral. Most central hotels are within walking distance, and street parking in the center is paid during the day.
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Good to know
What is Fríkirkjan in Reykjavík?
Fríkirkjan is the Free Church, an independent Lutheran congregation founded in 1899. Its white timber church on Tjörnin was consecrated in 1903.
Where is the Lutheran Free Church in Reykjavík?
It is on Fríkirkjuvegur on the east shore of Tjörnin, a few minutes' walk from Austurvöllur square and Reykjavík City Hall.
Can tourists go inside Fríkirkjan?
Yes, but there are no published daytime opening hours, so the reliable way in is a Sunday service or a concert. The outside can be seen at any time.
When are services held at Fríkirkjan?
Sunday services are usually held at 14:00. The time occasionally changes for special services, so check the church's own listings.
Are there concerts at Fríkirkjan?
Yes. The church hosts lunchtime concerts on Thursdays at noon and has been a venue for the Iceland Airwaves festival.
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