The Arctic Henge

The Arctic Henge is an art installation in Raufarhöfn featuring four stone gates aligned with the cardinal directions. A central column stands at the middle, topped with prism glass that creates light effects and defines the space between the gates.

Construction began in 1996 as a modern interpretation of ancient astronomical markers used to track the sky. The work drew inspiration from Norse mythology and traditional timekeeping devices that have guided people for centuries.

The site honors the 68 dwarfs from the Eddic poem Völuspá, arranged in a circle around the space. Each figure represents different seasons and moments of the year, connecting the place to Norse traditions that shaped how people understood time.

The site sits near the Arctic Circle and requires travel time from major towns to reach. Plan to visit during daylight hours when the light effects through the prism glass are most visible, especially during the extended day hours in summer.

The prism glass in the central column captures the midnight sun during summer months and projects it in colored rays across the ground. This phenomenon makes the installation feel almost magical, turning ordinary hours into something extraordinary.