The Arctic Henge, where Norse mythology comes alive

What's the Arctic Henge?

The Arctic Henge, or Heimskautsgerðið if you want to impress your Icelandic friends, is a monument made in stone located in northeast Iceland. It’s just outside Raufarhöfn, the country’s northernmost settlement in mainland Iceland. It reminds of Stonehenge, as it’s a circular structure with piles of rocks.

It was conceived by Erlingur Thoroddsen, a man from Raufarhöfn, as a way to put his remote village on the map. In the early 2000s, he teamed up with artist Haukur Halldórsson and started developing the project. In 2004, they began building a giant circular structure using basalt stones, a volcanic material that is quite common in Iceland. It’s a huge sundial that catches the light at different moments of the day and year and creates shadows in all the right places.

However, this monument is much more than just a group of rocks put together to create beautiful shapes and light interplay. It’s a tribute to Norse mythology and was inspired by the Eddic poem Völuspá. The Poetic Edda is an untitled collection of Old Norse anonymous narrative poems. Völuspá is part of the Poetic Edda and is a cornerstone of Norse mythology that narrates the history of the cosmos, from its creation to its destruction and rebirth. It ties together themes of fate, mortality, and the cyclical nature of existence, making it a profound exploration of Norse cosmology and belief.

The henge features four massive 6-meter-high (19 feet) gates pointing north, south, east, and west, surrounding a 10-meter (33 feet) central column that’ll eventually get a crystal top to project sunlight like a prism. They are surrounded by 72 smaller stones, each of them named after a dwarf from the poem, marking time and seasons in a unique and mythical way. It’s still a work in progress, with plans for further additions like a “Throne of the Sun” and an “Altar of Fire and Water.” Part science, part art, part legend, it’s a one-of-a-kind place that connects Iceland’s past and tradition to the present and the natural environment.

Where's the Arctic Henge and How to Get There?

The Arctic Henge has been built on a hill in Raufarhöfn, Iceland’s northernmost mainland village, which is located on the Melrakkaslétta peninsula. It’s a remote place, one that can make you think you’re at the edge of the world. The best way to get there is by car, as there are no airports nearby. In fact, renting a car is the best way to move around Iceland in general.

Getting there from Reykjavik

The trip to the Arctic Henge from Iceland’s capital is a long one, but the itinerary is part of the adventure. You can consider making it in three or four days, stopping at other natural monuments, and creating your own itinerary.

It’s a scenic 600-kilometer (373-mile) road trip that takes about 8 hours to complete. First, take the famous Ring Road (Route 1), the main road in the country, heading north. Continue on it for about 400 kilometers (250 miles), and once you’ve passed Akureyri, the most important city in North Iceland, take a turn left to Route 85. Drive on it for some time until you see the sign for Raufarhöfn or Route 874. Keep going until you hit Raufarhöfn. The henge is just outside the village, so you can’t miss it.

Getting there from Akureyri

If you’re staying in Akureyri, you must take Route 1 eastbound and follow the steps we just explained. It’s a roughly 2.5-hour drive.

If instead of coming from the west, you have spent some days exploring East Iceland and are making your way to the north from there, turn right on Route 85 before reaching Akureyri. Then, follow the same instructions.

Roads are paved and solid, but it’s Iceland, so it’s better to check the conditions, especially in winter, and you’re good to go.

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The Weather at the Arctic Henge

The weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable and is constantly changing. On top of that, the town of Raufarhöfn is very close to the Arctic Circle, which adds an extra layer to the weather patterns. The north of Iceland is one of the coldest regions in the country, but the proximity of the sea moderates the cold. The temperatures and daylight hours change drastically with the seasons. Here’s the breakdown:

Summer (June to August)

The weather in this season usually is mild, with temperatures averaging between 10 and 15°C (50-59°F). Around the summer solstice, daylight never totally fades. The sun sets for a couple of hours, but there’s a constant glow over the Arctic Henge’s arches and basalt stones. On clear days, the sun's movement in the sky creates different shadows on the rocks. The monument's location close to the sea can see sudden rain and strong wind, which can make it feel colder.

Autumn (September and October)

The temperature begins to go down gradually, moving between 5 and 10°C (41-50°F). Days shorten rapidly, but the landscape gets wonderful colors. Rain is frequent and the days get shorter each week, and there can be snow by the end of October. It’s also the beginning of the Northern Lights season.

Winter (November to March)

Winter transforms the Arctic Henge into a frozen spectacle, although it’s quite cold. The temperatures dip to -5 to 0°C (23-32°F). The monument is usually covered in snow, but the daylight hours are very short, with almost no natural light by the end of December. There can be blizzards, so it’s important to dress appropriately. On the other hand, it’s the time where the Northern Lights happen, and the Arctic Henge is a prime location to see them if the night is clear.

Spring (April and May)

With temperatures on the rise, with averages between 0 and 5°C (32-41°F), the fields come alive as snow thaws. However, the weather changes a lot, with sun and rain mixing constantly.

It’s highly recommended to check the weather forecast each morning before starting your day to be prepared.

What to See and Do Near the Arctic Henge

The Arctic Henge is awesome by itself, but North Iceland is packed with amazing natural monuments that you can add to your trip. Many of these wonders are part of the Diamond Circle, an amazing scenic route.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

This astonishing geological marvel is also steeped in Norse mythology. Its horseshoe shape is said to be the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, though it was actually carved by ancient glacial floods. The lower part of the canyon has birch and willow wood, which is quite rare in Iceland. The canyon's walls rise up to 100 meters (328 feet), and there’s a network of trails to explore the area.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is Europe’s second most powerful waterfall. It has a height of 45 meters (148 feet) and falls into a gorge. The roar of the waterfall can be heard from a distance, and standing in front of it is a humbling experience. There are two other smaller waterfalls nearby, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, but each one has its own charm.

Goðafoss

This waterfall is an entirely different sight to Dettifoss. Goðafoss, which can be translated as “Waterfall of the Gods,” is not impressive in size. It’s its shape and color, of a vivid turquoise hue, that strikes the most. The waterfall is crescent-shaped and drops 12 meters (39 feet), framed by basalt rocks. There are viewing platforms on both sides, each one offering a different perspective.

Húsavík

This charming town, at the end of Skjálfandi Bay, receives the nickname of the “whale-watching capital of Iceland. Several companies operate tours from the town’s harbor. On them, you can see humpbacks, minkes, and blue whales. Húsavík also hosts the Whale Museum, where you can learn much about these huge mammals.

Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn is known for its strange lava formations, bubbling mud pots, and steam fumaroles. If you like birds, you will be thrilled to know that the lake is home to a diverse number of species, including rare ducks. You can also go to the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy a relaxing geothermal bath.

Travel Tips

• Choose the Best Time: Summer is ideal for mild weather and long daylight hours, and winter is for the Northern Lights. The experience at the Arctic Henge is completely different in each season.
• Layer Up: Iceland’s weather changes fast, and the best way to adapt to it is to dress in layers. Wear warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and shoes, regardless of season.
• Driving Conditions. The roads leading to the Arctic Henge are paved and usually in good shape. However, the weather can greatly impact road conditions, so it’s essential to check them, especially in winter, when some roads can close due to the climate. If you’re coming in winter, rent a 4x4 vehicle.
• Respect nature: The area is fragile, so follow paths, don’t disturb wildlife, and pack your trash.
• Photo Options: The henge’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Sleep Options: Raufarhöfn (Hotel Norðurljós or Nest Guesthouse) has limited spots, so book early if you want to stay there. Húsavík or Akureyri have more options if you want to stay in the region.

Conclusion

Coming to this remote corner of Iceland is something that not many tourists plan to do, but it’s highly rewarding. This monument is beautiful by itself but shines especially with the different light conditions and the surrounding landscapes. It’s also a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights, which add a magical touch to this already ethereal place, strongly connected to Norse mythology.

If you’re planning to go to North Iceland, which is full of natural wonders, go to the Arctic Henge and enjoy an experience that you’ll remember forever.

Frequently asked questions about the Arctic Henge