A visionary group comprising architects and designers has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce a Viking-inspired circular viewing point amidst the breathtaking Icelandic landscape. Poised on a mountain slope towering at an elevation of 650 meters, roughly 2,130 feet above sea level, this innovative structure will project outward, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.
The project, named the “Ring of Bjólfur,” draws its inspiration from the iconic Mount Bjólfur in East Iceland, the very site where it will take form. This mountain holds a rich historical significance that serves as the wellspring of inspiration for the project’s creators.
Elaborating on the significance of the name, the team explained, “Mount Bjólfur is named after the Viking Bjólfur, an early settler in Seydisfjordur who is believed to have been laid to rest high up on the mountain. In keeping with Viking tradition, Bjólfur was interred with his most cherished possessions, including precious jewelry and weaponry. Consequently, the Ring of Bjólfur symbolizes a valuable silver ring that belonged to Bjólfur, the forefather of the fjord’s people.”
The formidable environmental conditions of the site significantly influenced the choice of materials for constructing the viewing point. The structure will be meticulously crafted from concrete, firmly anchored at four key points. It will feature an inner railing meticulously fashioned from locally sourced silver larch and an outer railing constructed of stainless steel posts.
The circular viewing point will boast an expansive diameter of 32 meters (104 feet), complete with a walkway and bench seating extending across its circumference. Additionally, it has been thoughtfully designed to be wheelchair accessible. Visitors who ascend to this summit will be treated to captivating vistas of Seydisfjordur, a mesmerizing, elongated fjord ensconced amidst towering mountains, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Ring of Bjólfur emerged victorious in an architectural design competition initiated by local authorities in 2021. This ambitious project is set to materialize through the collaborative efforts of Esja Architecture and Arkibygg Arkitektar, supported by contributions from ANNA Landslagsarkitekt, Kjartan Mogensen, and AXA Nordic.
Construction of this remarkable viewing point is slated to commence later this year, with an anticipated completion date in late 2024. The budget allocated for this grand undertaking amounts to ISK190 million, equivalent to approximately US$1.4 million.
Sources: Esja Architecture, Arkibygg Arkitektar