Iceland’s Magnificent Modernist Churches

One of the first things that visitors to Reykjavik notice is the spaceship-looking church that dominates the skyline. Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrim's Church) is impossible to miss, as it's by far the tallest building in Reykjavik. Although most tourists make a point of going to see this building, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/iceland/">Iceland </a>has a wealth of innovative modernist churches; most of which don't get much mention in guidebooks. The fact that there are so many modernist churches dotting the urban landscape—and so few older churches—was one of the main things that struck me about Iceland, architecturally. In other European countries (France, England, Germany, etc.), there are many old cathedrals built in traditional Gothic and Renaissance styles... so <a href="http://inhabitat.com/stunning-arborg-house-is-covered-in-icelandic-moss/">why does Iceland</a> have so many sleek, modernist churches? I couldn't find any good answers, but here are a few thoughts:

Hallgrimskirkja has some incredible texture and light-play as it sweeps upwards.

The Akyureyru church looks as though it might be more comfortable in the American midwest than a European country.

This church is almost cubist in its construction.

Sleek, modern, and bold, this church is almost intimidating to approach.

Perched upon a hill, this church gives the impression of an exploding volcano.

Standing high on a hill, this church has an insect-like carapace of a roof.

This church looks almost alien in origin, especially back-lit against a stormy sunset.