You've heard of Stonehenge but have you heard of Arctic Henge in Iceland? Arctic Henge is not nearly as old as Stonehenge as it is currently being built (sic). It is to become a pagan monument which will harken back to the pagan past of Iceland and the brooding moodiness of the country.
Iceland is really a land of unceasing natural beauty which has many unique attractions. Only in Iceland can tourists visit inside a volcano in which the magma chamber has emptied out however the chamber has not collapsed in. After that one can hike across Iceland's volcanic deserts and see the brooding landscapes of this other-worldly Arctic country.
What Arctic Henge Is Where It Is
Arctic Henge is a massive stone circle around the hill just north from the largely abandoned fishing village of Raufarh”ofn in the remote far northwest corner of the nation. Both the Arctic Henge and Raufarh”ofn disregard the Arctic Ocean.
The structure is to be 50 meters across with four giant gates (representing the times of year) up to 7 meters in height.
Name: Called Heimskautsgerdid In Icelandic
Status: A lasting Project Still Under Construction
When complete, the aim of Arctic Henge is to have a finely tuned sundial to celebrate the solstices. The Arctic Henge is to be just like a huge sundial that aims to capture the sun rays.
When it is complete you'll also have the Hall of Rays and the Altar of Fire and Water.
- Hall of Rays: A Place For Spiritual Renewal
- Altar of fireside and Water: Where Rituals, Ceremonies, As well as Weddings Is going to be Held
The Pagan History Of Iceland And also the Henge's Pagan Purpose
The Viking ancestors of Iceland were originally pagan, but they transformed into Christianity about 1000 AD. The Arctic Henge will let the Icelandics to rediscover their pagan roots. It is thought that when it is eventually finished, Arctic Henge turn into the premier site of Paganism all across the globe.
The origin of the project goes back to 1996 and was inspired by the Eddic poem V”oluspá (Prophecy from the Seeress). In the poem, 72 dwarves represent the times of year in the world. The Arctic Henge would be to have 72 small blocks, each inscribed with a specific dwarven name will eventually circle four larger stone monuments, which in turn will surround a central balanced column of massive basalt blocks.
The Arctic Henge will see the midnight Arctic sun and according to Lonely Planet, it will “explain the strong local beliefs in the mythology from the Edda poem V”oluspá (Wise Woman's Prophecy).”
- Edda: The 'Bible' of Norse Mythology
Inside the circle stands 10-meter high columns on four pillars. When these columns are completed, they'll be topped with cut prism-glass to split the daylight into the primary colors.
The reason for the Arctic Henge is to discover and learn about the mythical made-up Icelandic realm of mythology and folklore – including dwarfs. All dwarfs contribute and have their very own personalities.
And based on Visit North Iceland, with the Arctic Henge “...dwarfs can be connected to birthdays and individuals can connect to their personal dwarf.” Within the circle are 68 dwarfs waiting for inside a circular dwarf trail.
The Remote Village of Raufarh”ofn
At one point Raufarh”ofn was the place to find the largest export harbor in Iceland. Its economy was built on herring-fishing and exports but throughout the 1900s the herring stocks disappeared and devasted the village economy.
- Population: Raufarh”ofn Village Has 188 Inhabitants
- Raufarh”ofn: Collapsed After The End From the Herring Industry
- Northernmost: It's the Northernmost Community In Mainland Iceland
As one visits this little village now you will see old factory buildings and abandoned houses. After visiting Arctic Henge, the village's many old buildings and factories which are worth exploring.
Raufarh”ofn is found on the Melrakkaslétta Peninsula that juts out and reaches the northernmost latitudes around the Icelandic mainland.
Getting To Arctic Henge
The Arctic Henge is very remote, if one is coming from Húsavík it's around single.5-hour drive and around 130 kilometers away. Once one comes to the village of Raufarh”ofn, it's not possible to miss the stones because they loom impressively around the hill over the town.
One can increase the hill or simply walk up if one would rather.
Raufarh”ofn is one of the farthest settlements from the capital Reykjavík also it takes around 8 hours they are driving there. Another option is to fly across the island with a domestic flight towards the small Akureyri Domestic Airport. From Akureyri, it requires a little under 3 hours to reach Arctic Henge.
- From Reykjavík: 8 Hours Drive
- From Húsavík: 1.5 Hours Drive
- From Akureyri: Three hours Drive
