Viking legend informs ring-like viewpoint on Icelandic mountain ridge
Ring of Bjólfur is a mountain viewpoint in Iceland, designed by local studios Arkibygg Architects and Esja Architecture to evoke a giant silver ring left on the alleged burial site of a legendary Viking.
Located in Seyðisfjörður, a fjord in eastern Iceland, the viewpoint improves access to a ridge on Mount Bjólfur and celebrates its varied views over the town, valley and surrounding peaks.
Arkibygg Architects and Esja Architecture's design draws on the legend of Bjólfur, an Icelandic Viking settler believed to have claimed this landscape and been laid to rest on the mountain.
Local lore says Bjólfur was buried on the mountain with his most precious belongings, though they have never been found. The viewpoint, therefore, evokes a ring that has been left for him.
"The medieval Book of Settlements, or Landnámabók, tells of Bjólfur, the settler who first claimed land in Seyðisfjörður and gave the mountain its name," Arkibygg Architects told Dezeen.
"The book says little about him, but local tales tell that he was laid to rest in a burial mound high up on the mountain," it continued.
"By ancient custom, chieftains were often buried with their treasures, silver and jewellery. Bjólfur’s grave goods have never been found, but we let our imagination run free and left him a great silver ring."
Arkibygg Arkitektar and Esja Architecture won a competition to design Ring of Bjólfur in 2021. The project was shortlisted in the small projects category of this year's Dezeen Awards and also won the public vote for the same category.
Ring of Bjólfur takes the form of a perfect circle, measuring 32 metres in diameter. While emulating a ring, this was also designed to "work with views in every direction".
Positioned on a mountain ridge 650 metres above sea level, the structure was built from post-tensioned concrete with stainless steel railings, chosen for durability and for colours that emulate silver. It partially cantilevers on one side.
"The ring can be used in many ways, and the view changes depending on where you are in the circle – and whether you are standing or sitting," said Arkibygg Arkitektar.
"The choice of materials grew from the idea of creating a silver ring, while also having to withstand wind and weather at 650 metres, with the structure being submerged in snow for parts of the year," said the studio.
A major focus for the studios was ensuring accessibility, creating "an experience that everyone can enjoy, including wheelchair users".
To achieve this, they designed accessible parking next to the ring as part of the project. Further general parking is located further downhill to encourage people who are physically able to walk to the platform.
"The project has been very well received, not only by visitors but just as much by local residents," it continued.
"The ring is already strengthening tourism in the town, and it has also become part of residents’ daily lives, widely used for outdoor recreation. People walk, cycle or even ski up there to take in the view."
The landscape surrounding the viewpoint was preserved as much as possible, with any boulders that needed to be temporarily removed lifted back into place upon completion.
"The immediate surroundings – the soil and the rocks – matter a great deal. The aim was to disturb the ground as little as possible and to repair what was disturbed.
"Other areas affected by the works were restored with native vegetation. Having one clear destination also keeps visitors from wandering across the fragile ridge."
Other viewpoints recently featured on Dezeen include an arrow-shaped structure in Denmark by Arup and the Lech Mountain Mirror by Snøhetta in Austria.
Project credits:
Architects: Arkibygg Architects and Esja Architecture
Structural engineer: Exa Nordic
Landscape designer: Anna Kristín Guðmundsdóttir and Kjartan Mogensen
Client: Múlaþing Municipality
Construction: MVA Byggingarverktakar, Egilsstaðir
Funding: Tourist Site Protection Fund
The post Viking legend informs ring-like viewpoint on Icelandic mountain ridge appeared first on Dezeen.
