Raufarhöfn — Iceland's Northernmost Village

Background

History & Background

Raufarhöfn grew as a fishing and herring-processing community and was much busier during the 20th-century herring boom than it is today. Changes in the fishing industry later reduced the population, but the village remains an important service point on the remote Melrakkaslétta peninsula. In recent decades the Arctic Henge project has become its best-known visitor landmark.

Raufarhöfn is Iceland's northernmost village on the mainland (excluding Grímsey Island), located on Melrakkaslétta peninsula in Northeast Iceland. The population is approximately 180, down from over 400 in its fishing heyday. The village is known for: - **Arctic Henge**: Large stone monument under construction, inspired by Norse mythology, designed as a midnight sun viewing platform - **Proximity to Arctic Circle**: Only 3 km south of 66.5°N latitude - **Midnight sun**: 24-hour daylight in midsummer - **Remote location**: Few tourists reach this far north The economy is based on fishing and fish processing, though the industry has declined. The village has basic services, fuel, small supermarket, guesthouse, and swimming pool. The area offers birdwatching, Arctic landscape photography, and isolation. Raufarhöfn is accessible via Route 85 and requires a significant detour from the Ring Road, keeping visitor numbers low.