Spend any amount of time as a tourist in continental Europe and you’re bound to have stepped foot inside a church. Even for secular travellers, the architecture of many of Europe’s grand cathedrals is something to behold. Towering columns and spires, ornate carvings, and colourful stained glass masterpieces make the experience of entering an old house of worship akin to a visit to a gallery.
Then there’s Iceland.
Without the opulent history of the rest of Europe, Iceland’s architecture lacks a certain grandeur and omnipotence. But it more than makes up for that in inventiveness.
While exploring the towns nearby your relaxing summerhouse you may just find yourself asking “that’s a church?”
Icelandic for newbies: ‘Kirkja’ is Icelandic for ‘Church’. Now you know!
Here’s just a taste of some of Iceland’s more interesting religious architecture:
We’re starting out slow with this one. This church in Iceland’s West Fjords is unique, with its clean lines and glass steeple, yet still quaint. Brace yourself for some of the architecture coming up…
Tálknafjördur Kirkja
Check out this modern beauty on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. And, since you’re already in the area, don’t miss the angular Ólafsvíkurkirkja.
Stykkishólmurkirkja — Stykkishólmur
Ólafsvíkurkirkja — Ólafsvík
The capital area is a haven of unique religious architecture, as Seltjarnarneskirkja, Kópavogskirkja and Ástkirkja can attest…
Seltjarnarneskirkja — Seltjarnarnes
Kópavogskirkja — Kópavogur
Ástkirkja — Laugarnes
Heading north, you won’t be able to miss Akureyrarkirkja perched high above “the capital of the north,” Akureyri. Easier to miss, but well worth a marvel is the incredible Blönduóskirkja in Blönduós.
Akureyrarkirkja — Akureyri
Blönduóskirkja — Blönduós
Last but not least… the famed Hallgrímskirkja, in Reykjavík
Have you been to Iceland? What is the best architecture you scoped out on your trip? Let us know on Facebook.