Reykjavík
Modernist hilltop landmark

Discovering Kópavogskirkja

Guide to Kópavogur's iconic modernist church and its hilltop views

ArchitectureArtLocal heritage

Set on a prominent hill in Kópavogur, Kópavogskirkja is a striking modernist church famous for its bold architectural arches and beautiful stained-glass windows designed by the pioneering Icelandic artist Gerður Helgadóttir.

A distinctive modernist church in Kópavogur renowned for its unique arched architecture and custom stained-glass windows by artist Gerður Helgadóttir.

Kópavogskirkja
About Kópavogskirkja Church in Kópavogur

Kópavogskirkja is a prominent modernist landmark situated on a hilltop in Kópavogur, Iceland. Recognized for its distinctive intersecting arches, the mid-20th-century church offers commanding views of the capital region. Its serene sanctuary features remarkable stained-glass windows created by celebrated artist Gerður Helgadóttir, serving as both a local spiritual hub and a site of cultural interest.

White modernist church with tall intersecting arched forms, large stained glass windows, and a black cross on the facade under a clear blue sky
Kópavogskirkja Location and Surroundings

Kópavogskirkja is located on Borgarholtsbraut in the town of Kópavogur, within Iceland's Capital Region. Situated on a commanding hilltop, the church offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its prominent elevated setting makes it a key architectural landmark in the area, providing an easy orientation point just outside of Reykjavík.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Borgarholtsbraut 17

200 Kópavogur

Capital Region, IS

The Modernist Architecture and Art of Kópavogskirkja

The Kópavogskirkja church in Kópavogur presents a beautiful blend of Icelandic modernist architecture and sacred art. Standing on a prominent hilltop, the landmark is defined by its bold, intersecting arches and panoramic views of the capital region. Inside, visitors can experience a serene sanctuary illuminated by custom stained-glass windows designed by the pioneering artist Gerður Helgadóttir. In addition to its striking design, the church acts as a local cultural hub, hosting parish events and musical performances that connect visitors to the community.

Aerial view of Kópavogskirkja, a white modernist church with intersecting arches, on a lava field hilltop at sunset with colorful orange and purple sky and water in the background

The History and Architecture of Kópavogskirkja

Located on Borgarholt hill, Kópavogskirkja is a defining modernist church in Kópavogur. Designed by architects Hörður Bjarnason and Ragnar Emilsson, its construction began in 1958 and concluded with its consecration on December 16, 1963. The building's **iconic architectural profile** of intersecting arches led to its inclusion in the town's official seal. Inside, the sanctuary features a 1990 altarpiece by Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir and stained glass by Gerður Helgadóttir.

  • Construction period from 1958 to 1963

    1958-1963Construction

    Building work on Kópavogur Church began in 1958 and the construction of the structure was completed in 1963.

  • Consecration and official opening in 1963

    1963Opening

    The church was officially consecrated and opened for public use on December 16, 1963.

  • Architectural design by Hörður Bjarnason and Ragnar Emilsson

    Architecture

    The church features a modernist architectural style designed by architects Hörður Bjarnason and Ragnar Emilsson, characterized by the cross-section of two wide arches with smaller ones extending below.

  • Iconic status in Kópavogur town seal

    Cultural significance

    Due to its unique modernist architectural profile on Borgarholt hill, the church was chosen to be depicted in the official town seal of Kópavogur.

  • Installation of the altarpiece in 1990

    1990Collection

    The current altarpiece housed within the church was created by artist Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir and installed in 1990.

Latest museum updates from Kópavogskirkja
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Reykjavík
Read the newest updates from Kópavogskirkja, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Reykjavík.
Confirmation Education at Kópavogskirkja: Information for 2027

Confirmation Education at Kópavogskirkja: Information for 2027

Kópavogskirkja has released the enrollment details for the 2026-2027 confirmation program. Families can choose between a late summer intensive course or the traditional weekly winter instruction, with all registration managed through the Abler platform.

EducationCommunityKópavogurConfirmation
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New artwork donation at Kópavogskirkja

New artwork donation at Kópavogskirkja

Kópavogskirkja has recently received a significant new donation: a sculpture depicting St. John the Evangelist. The piece, originally crafted by jeweler Sigmar Ó. Maríusson for a 1982 exhibition, was gifted to the church by his daughters in his memory. Visitors can view this meaningful addition to the church's collection.

CollectionArtHistory
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Summer worship service at Kópavogskirkja on July 12

Summer worship service at Kópavogskirkja on July 12

Kópavogskirkja invites the community to a special summer worship service. Join us on Sunday, July 12, at 11:00 AM for this gathering held at our iconic modernist church in Kópavogur.

WorshipCommunityChurch Service
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Upcoming Sunday Service at Kópavogskirkja on July 5th

Upcoming Sunday Service at Kópavogskirkja on July 5th

Join the community at Kópavogskirkja for our upcoming Sunday service scheduled for July 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The service features a sermon and altar ministry by Reverend Grétar Halldór Gunnarsson, accompanied by music from Elísa Elíasdóttir and guest violist Fidel Atli Quintero Gasparsson.

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Sunday Service at Kópavogskirkja on June 14, 2026

Sunday Service at Kópavogskirkja on June 14, 2026

Join the congregation at Kópavogskirkja for a Sunday service on June 14, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. The service will feature a sermon and altar ministry by Pastor Grétar Halldór Gunnarsson, accompanied by music from the church choir and organist Katalin Lorincz.

Church ServiceCommunityWorship
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Kópavogskirkja FAQs: Finding Your Way

Looking to call the heavens or just find the church on Borgarholtsbraut? While we do not have a direct phone number or email for Kópavogskirkja in Kópavogur, we can certainly help you find its physical location. Explore our quick FAQs to get your practical bearings before your visit.

How can I contact Kópavogskirkja?

Direct contact methods for Kópavogskirkja are currently unavailable, as no official online form or contact department is listed.

What is the phone number for Kópavogskirkja?

The public phone number for Kópavogskirkja is not provided in our current records.

Is there a Kópavogskirkja email address for inquiries?

No official email address is listed for inquiries or visitor information at Kópavogskirkja.

What is the address of Kópavogskirkja?

The address of Kópavogskirkja is Borgarholtsbraut 17, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland.

Kópavogskirkja Gallery Preview

Images of Kópavogskirkja capture the unique modernist architecture of this landmark in Kópavogur. Visuals highlight the church's intersecting white arches and prominent facade cross set against a rugged Icelandic hilltop. Visitors can preview the scenic capital views and peaceful atmosphere that define this iconic local structure.

Aerial view of Kópavogskirkja, a white modernist church with intersecting arches, on a lava field hilltop at sunset with colorful orange and purple sky and water in the background
White modernist church with tall intersecting arched forms, large stained glass windows, and a black cross on the facade under a clear blue sky
White modernist church with distinctive intersecting arched rooflines and a black cross on the facade under a clear blue sky
White modernist church building with large intersecting arches and a central cross, viewed from a paved road with tall lamp posts on either side under an overcast sky
Stained glass window with intersecting arches in vibrant blues, greens, reds, and purples at Kópavogskirkja
Bright interior hall with long tables covered in white tablecloths, rows of chairs, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and colorful abstract paintings on the walls.
White modernist church with intersecting arched rooflines and a cross on the facade, sitting atop a rocky snow-covered hill under an overcast sky
A long hall set for a banquet with white-clothed tables, black chairs, tall candle holders, and colorful paintings on the walls.
Kópavogskirkja logo featuring a stylized green line-art church with intersecting arches and a cross above the venue name in gray text on a black background
Three people standing at a wooden podium outdoors with the white modernist Kópavogskirkja church visible in the background under a blue sky
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