Heimskautsgerðið, also known as Arctic Henge, is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the far northern mainland of Iceland. It was erected by Erlingur B. Thoroddsen and serves as a monument to celebrate the Sun. It’s no coincidence that it’s located just a few hundred meters from the Arctic Circle. The design is inspired by Norse mythology and has a practical purpose as well—to attract tourists to the area.
This impressive structure is designed to function as a massive sundial, capturing sunlight and casting shadows on specific spots, thereby interacting uniquely with the natural light of its surroundings.
The construction itself consists of several large stone arches and is meant to be in harmony with the heavens. Though still under construction, once completed, it will feature a central crystal prism that splits sunlight into its fundamental colors, a sundial, and a pathway representing an ancient calendar marked by 72 stones, each named after a mythical dwarf from Norse legends.
Arctic Henge is already a significant landmark in the region and promises to be even more impressive upon completion, serving as both a tourist attraction and a modern homage to ancient traditions and celestial connections.
You can find Heimskautsgerðið just a few kilometers north of the village of Raufarhöfn.
