Region
Arctic Northeast
200 km from Akureyri
Raufarhofn: Home of the Arctic Henge
One of Iceland's northernmost villages, home to the Arctic Henge, a modern stone monument aligned with the midnight sun.
Population
~180
Arctic Northeast • Remote village
Raufarhofn sits on the remote Melrakkaslétta peninsula, once a busy herring port and now a quiet village of about 180 people. Its main attraction is the Arctic Henge, a large stone monument that frames the midnight sun and draws on Norse mythology.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
The Arctic Henge is free to visit and accessible year-round. The monument is still under construction.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~180
Remote Arctic community
Known for
Arctic Henge
Modern Norse mythology monument
Top Attractions in Raufarhofn
Arctic Henge
Large stone monument built around Norse mythology and the midnight sun
Midnight Sun Viewing
Far-north views at the summer solstice
Northern Lights
Dark skies for aurora viewing
Melrakkaslétta Peninsula
Remote Arctic flatlands with varied birdlife
Raufarhofn Harbor
Old herring-era fishing port
Arctic Fox Watching
Good chances to spot Iceland's only native mammal
How to Get to Raufarhofn
From Akureyri: About 2.5-3 hours via Route 85 through Husavik. The route follows the coast for much of the way.
From Reykjavik: About 8 hours via Route 1 and Route 85. Consider overnight stops in Akureyri or Husavik.
Road conditions: Route 85 is paved but can be challenging in winter. Check road.is for current conditions.
Best Time to Visit Raufarhofn
Summer Solstice (June 21): The Arctic Henge frames the midnight sun at its peak. Book accommodation far in advance.
Winter (September-March): Good for Northern Lights photography at the Arctic Henge. Roads may be difficult but are usually passable.
Planning help
Raufarhofn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.