Reykjavik Doors

Reykjavik has lots of interesting doors. I photographed a few on July 13, 20, 21 and 22.

For Thursday Doors. Here’s Today’s Thursday Doors.

The Icelandic parliament was responsible for the church being built. The rules for the design competition (announced in 1929) specified that the church should seat 1200, and have a high tower that could potentially be used for transmission of radio signals.

The state architect, Guðjón Samúelsson (1887 – 1950), started work on the design in 1937. A nationalistic style typified his work, as was common among Nordic architects of the period. He was also responsible for other important buildings in Reykjavík: the main building of the University of Iceland; the National Theatre; and the RC Church of Christ the King. He drew richly on Icelandic traditions and materials in his designs, and Hallgrímskirkja, his ultimate work, shows this clearly, symbolising mountains and glaciers soaring up through hexagonal columnar basalt.

Until 1940, Reykjavík was a single parish, and then three new parishes were established, including Hallgrímskirkja parish, which then had the task of building its church. It was consecrated in 1986. Source: Hallgrimskirkja.is/about/

16 thoughts on “Reykjavik Doors

  1. Emille 2021-08-27 / 8:11 pm

    Am surprised to find still several doors with glass in such a cold country! Even on vacation a door hunt, eh Shrerry? You’re a trooper! I LOVE the design of that modern church building! Emille (Jesh)

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    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-28 / 4:36 am

      The heating is free from geothermal energy. Many homes get too hot, even in winter. They have windows that open out at the bottom to let in some cool air. Thanks 🙂

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  2. shoreacres 2021-08-27 / 7:59 am

    The wooden door in the next-to-last photo reminds me of the old radio my grandparents had. It was in a case almost four feet tall, and sat on the floor — the design on its face was the same. The fleur-de-lis on the first red door intrigued me. I wonder if a Frenchman moved into the neighborhood?

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    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-27 / 10:53 am

      That is the door on the church. I like your comparison to your grandparent’s old radio. Could be French, or perhaps a Canadian.

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  3. sustainabilitea 2021-08-26 / 3:47 pm

    I especially like the second door and the first red one. The church is quite something! Glad you could get away. How was flying and all the Covid-related hassles I’ve read about? I guess you had just one flight, which would make things easier.

    janet

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    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-27 / 6:00 am

      Thanks Janet. Flying to Iceland was a breeze. All I needed was my vaccination record. Back to NY I found out at the airport that had to get tested. Delta didn’t tell me in advance that we needed it. Cost me $150 taxi and $150 to get the tests. We are scheduled to fly to Germany in October to see my grandson and family. I know they will require tests.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Sue 2021-08-26 / 10:05 am

    Ooh, these are interesting!

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  5. Birder's Journey 2021-08-26 / 9:27 am

    Thank you for sharing these fabulous images, Sherry – every door is so unique and beautifully wrought. And that enormous church is astonishing to see. What a stunning feat of architecture!

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    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-26 / 9:39 am

      Thank you so much. I love their church too. It can be seen anywhere in Reykjavik. I used it to navigate by.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion 2021-08-26 / 8:57 am

    I’m glad you thought of us, Sherry. That church is amazing. The architecture is unique and your photo is stunning, All the photos are lovely, but that one will stick with me.

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    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-26 / 7:05 am

      It is nice. I like the way the architecture mimics columnar basalt. We used it as a landmark to navigate by.

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  7. derrickjknight 2021-08-26 / 4:13 am

    An excellent set. We won’t see too many of these. The red door behind the rails is intriguing

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sherry Felix 2021-08-26 / 7:03 am

      Thanks. It’s been a while since I did a post for Thursday doors hosted by Dan Antion. I had Thursday doors in mind while I was in Reykjavik.

      Liked by 1 person

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