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
Quick Answer
Raufarhofn, a village of about 180 on the Melrakkasletta peninsula, is one of Iceland's northernmost places and the site of the Arctic Henge stone monument.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The Arctic Henge is free to visit and accessible year-round. The monument is still under construction.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
Hofdi Headland
Coastal walk and Raufarhofn lighthouse
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. Check current road and weather conditions before setting out.
Add the harbor and lighthouse to the Henge stop
The Henge stands on Melrakkaas north of the village, while Hofdi is the headland protecting the harbor. The municipal history guide recommends walking the headland, where Raufarhofn lighthouse stands. From the harbor, look for the channel separating Hofdi from the rock Holminn: the town’s name refers to that gap.
The harbor also explains why this small place has such a large industrial footprint. The same municipal account records as many as 11 herring-salting stations during the 1964–67 peak, before the fishing collapse in 1967. A daylight look around the harbor adds context to an evening photograph at the modern monument. For meals, supplies or a swim, use the local service directory; late-summer daylight does not mean businesses keep late hours.
Planning help
Raufarhofn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Raufarhofn?
Raufarhofn has approximately 180 residents. It is one of Iceland's most remote and northernmost inhabited places.
What is the Arctic Henge?
The Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið) is a large modern stone monument inspired by Norse mythology. It's aligned with the position of the midnight sun and has dwarf-themed gates marking the compass directions.
Is Raufarhofn Iceland's northernmost town?
Raufarhofn is one of Iceland's northernmost villages, located on the Melrakkaslétta peninsula. Raufarhofn itself lies south of the Arctic Circle.
How far is Raufarhofn from Reykjavik?
Raufarhofn is about 620 km from Reykjavik, approximately 8 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 85.
How far is Raufarhofn from Akureyri?
Raufarhofn is about 200 km from Akureyri, approximately 2.5-3 hours by car via Route 85 through Husavik.
Can you see the midnight sun from Raufarhofn?
Yes. Raufarhofn lies far enough north for long, clear midnight sun viewing, and the Arctic Henge is designed to frame the midnight sun at the summer solstice.
Is Raufarhofn good for Northern Lights?
Yes, the remote location has minimal light pollution. The Arctic Henge makes a strong foreground for aurora photography.
What services does Raufarhofn have?
The municipality lists a local shop, pool and accommodation options. Check their individual hours, particularly if you plan to visit the Arctic Henge late in the evening.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.