Architecture
Iceland’s Arctic Henge
Arctic Henge is a monument to Asatru, the beliefs of the Old Norse.
Image courtesy of: My Best Place
Raufarhöfn, one of the world’s most remove villages, is home to an enigmatic stone monument that resembles a “modern day Stonehenge.” This northernmost village in Iceland sits not too far from where the Arctic Circle lies. This small fishing village might seem like a strange location for such a monument; however its roots lie in the ancient Nordic beliefs and new-pagan beliefs of Norse mythology of the area.
Specifically, the site was (courtesy of My Best Place) “inspired by Völuspá (Prophecy of the Seer), the famous book of the Edda in prose that talks of the beginning and end of the world, starting from 72 dwarfs, mythological creatures that represent the seasons.”
Thoroddsen, a local hotelier, dreamt up the idea in hopes of reviving the town.
Image courtesy of: North Iceland
Locally called Heimskautsgeroio, the monument is the brainchild of Erlingur Thoroddsen’s desire to experience endless vistas without obstructions of the infinite horizon and never-ending sun. In essence, the structure is a huge sundial that captures the sun’s rays and casts shadows at precise locations; and seizes the light between the constructed gateways.
Thoroddsen’s first ideas were noted in 1998; six years later, the vision was finalized with respect to local folklore and mythology. The project’s designer, Haukur Halldorsson, was instrumental in designing the monument to seamlessly interact with Iceland’s unique natural light.
The Ring Road is popular for Iceland’s tourists; in the past, veering off the road was quite uncommon. However, the Arctic Henge is changing that.
Image courtesy of: Iceland the Beautiful
The Arctic Henge is 164 feet in diameter and 20 feet high with gates that face the main direction. Between the gates is a high wall with a small opening at the top. In the circle’s interior, there is a 33-foot-high column on four pillars. The column is topped with a cut prism-glass that splits the sunlight unto the primary colors. The opening between the pillar looks toward the main direction. Light and shadow play off one another depending on the time of day.
Both the Arctic Henge and Raufarhöfn overlook the Arctic Ocean.
Image courtesy of: Iceland the Beautiful
The poem upon which the inspiration was built (courtesy of Guide to Ireland) “describes both how the world was created and how it is doomed to end; it also describes the first man and first woman created, and catalogues many mythical characters, including dwarves. 72 of these dwarves, who are said to be symbols of the seasons of the world, are represented at the Arctic Henge, each as an individual block inscribed with a name.”
Inside, the circle are 68 dwarfs who are positions on a circular “dwarf trail.” Beautifully situated is a “hall of rays” which feels like a sanctuary between high columns. The sole seat resembles the sun’s throne where someone can take a fabulous selfie.
Raufarhöfn was once an important port for fishing processing and the exportation of herring products. Following the industry’s collapse in the 1960s, the town fell into decline.
Image courtesy of: Iceland Wedding Planner, photographed by: Missy Ann
Viewing the “Midnight Sun” is one of the reasons to visit this part of the world. Arctic Henge’s multiple vantage points offer unparalleled views of the phenomenon regardless of the season and time of day. It is certainly worth a visit if you find yourself in Iceland!
