Ring of Bjólfur

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

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Ring of Bjólfur

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Firm

exa nordic
Arkibygg arkitektar
ESJA Architecture

Type

Cultural › Observation Tower

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

Ring of Bjólfur is a circular viewing platform on the mountain ridge above Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, at 650 metres above sea level.

The name is inspired by Bjólfur, the first settler of Seyðisfjörður, who according to legend was buried on this mountain. His silver ring, never found, gave the project its form and name.

The platform forms a continuous ring, framing a 360° experience: from the fjord and town below to the valley and peaks above. Walking it, views shift with each step. A cantilevered section reaches beyond the mountain edge, and the ground falls away beneath you.

The brief was to create a viewing destination that improves accessibility, safety, and visitor experience, while establishing a new point of interest to support and attract tourism to the region – all while remaining sensitive to the surrounding landscape.

At 650 metres above sea level, the site is exposed to strong winds, snow, and rapidly changing conditions. Limited access and a short building season shaped every decision from design to construction.

The platform rests lightly on the terrain, supported on a minimal number of foundations and partially cantilevering over the mountain edge, reducing ground impact while creating a real sense of exposure. A slight slope across the ring enables natural drainage and keeps the structure in respectful dialogue with the landscape beneath it.

The ring forms a continuous, step-free route with integrated seating – somewhere to walk, pause, or simply stand still. There is no single viewpoint, no prescribed direction. The experience reveals itself as you move.

Prefabricated formwork and reinforcement cage, produced by contractor MVA, was transported to site for assembly and casting. The railing is modular and was also brought prefabricated to site. This minimised on-site work in a remote and demanding environment.

Board-form concrete and steel were chosen for durability and low maintenance in harsh conditions. The restrained material palette lets the landscape speak for itself.

Team: Arkibygg Architects, Esja Architects, Anna Kristín (Landscape architect), Kjartan Mogensen (Landscape architect) and exa nordic (structural engineers)

Client: Múlaþing municipality

Contractor: MVA byggingaverktakar