Reykjavík Cathedral
Religious Site Neoclassical cathedral overlooking Reykjavik's main square
On Austurvöllur square, Reykjavík Cathedral fronts Parliament and local cafés; tourists stop for the church’s simple white façade, weekday services and occasional concerts in the heart of downtown.
Reykjavík Cathedral (Dómkirkjan í Reykjavík) is a Lutheran church located in the heart of Reykjavík and is one of the city’s principal religious buildings. The church dates to the late 18th and early 19th centuries in its current form and has been an important site for civic and national ceremonies.
The interior is used for regular worship, church music and occasional state services. Its location beside the main square makes it a frequent stop for visitors exploring downtown Reykjavík and the surrounding government buildings.
The cathedral’s parish and functions link it with the Church of Iceland and the city’s civic life. It stands on Austurvöllur square, immediately next to Alþingi, Iceland’s national parliament.
Situated in central Reykjavík, the cathedral is within walking distance of the waterfront, museums and the main commercial streets of the capital.
- Central location: Located on Austurvöllur square, immediately adjacent to Iceland's Parliament building, it is a focal point for national ceremonies.
How to Get to Reykjavík Cathedral #
Reykjavík Cathedral (Dómkirkjan) is in central Reykjavík on Austurvöllur square beside the Alþingi (Parliament). It’s a short walk from the city center and from the BSÍ bus terminal (a 5-10 minute walk).
From Keflavík International Airport (KEF) take an airport express/flybus service to the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík (about 45-60 minutes by road along Route 41), then walk to Austurvöllur. Local city buses and taxis also serve the downtown area.
Tips for Visiting Reykjavík Cathedral #
- Visit early in the day when the square in front of the cathedral (Austurvöllur) is quiet-this gives unobstructed views of the façade and easier access to the interior.
- Check opening hours before you go, especially around national holidays and parliamentary sessions, since the cathedral is adjacent to the Alþingi and can be closed for official events.
- Combine a short stop at the cathedral with a stroll around Austurvöllur and the nearby Parliament buildings to see the site in context and avoid a longer, single busy visit.
Best Time to Visit Reykjavík Cathedral #
Go in summer for the mildest weather and long daylight, or in shoulder seasons for fewer visitors while still avoiding deep winter cold.
Weather & Climate near Reykjavík Cathedral #
Reykjavík Cathedral's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (918 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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