The “Ring of Bjólfur” is a circular viewing platform that will be constructed 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level on the slopes of Mount Bjólfur, an impressive peak overlooking Seyðisfjörður in Iceland's Eastern Region. Designed by Copenhagen- and Reykjavik-based ESJA Architecture in collaboration with Arkibygg Arkitektar, the ring is the winning proposal in a competition held by eastern Iceland’s Múlaþing municipality in 2021.
The Ring of Bjólfur’s design is an expression of simplicity. The modest concrete structure will sit on a rugged slope: hovering at its edge, the platform will offer an eye-catching vista across Seyðisfjörður fjord to the Atlantic Ocean. Seyðisfjörður’s history dates back to the Vikings — the area’s first settler was the Viking Bjólfur who gave the highest peak — Mount Bjólfur — its name. Vikings were buried with their precious possessions, including jewelry, and the viewing platform’s ring-shaped construction “symbolizes a precious silver ring belonging to Bjólfur,” says ESJA Architecture.
The ring’s diameter is 32 meters (105 feet); a walkway and bench spans the entire 100-meter (328-feet) circumference. The design is one that will offer a “360° experience”, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the mountains around the town of Seyðisfjörður, the fjord and valley, and the peak of Mount Bjólfur above. The slightly sloping ring structure is wheelchair accessible.
The concrete ring has two railings: an inner railing made using local larch and an outer railing made with slim stainless-steel posts. The combination of these three different materials — concrete, larch, and stainless steel — creates a display of silvery-grey tones. This silver-grey comes from “the silver patina of the larch, the glittering reflection of the steel, and the tones of the exposed concrete changing with the weather,” says ESJA Architecture. “An important factor in the material selection is robustness and minimal maintenance, due to the harsh weather conditions and remote location.” The ring’s color palette provides a pleasing contrast to the rocky landscape’s greenish-brown tones.
The Ring of Bjólfur will sit on top of the landscape in two places and cantilever over the mountain’s edge. The architect explains that “the load-bearing quality of the closed circle is very efficient [meaning] the structure is anchored only in four points.”
ESJA Architecture plans to begin work on the viewing platform in the autumn of 2023 with an expected construction time of around one year. “The elevation of the construction site is a challenge, with unpredictable weather conditions and steep road passes, therefore every detail of the construction process is planned in advance,” says the studio.
The Ring of Bjólfur is a close collaboration between architects, landscape architects, and engineers:
Architects: Arkibygg Arkitektar & Esja Architecture
Landscape Architects: ANNA Landslagsarkitekt & Kjartan Mogensen
Engineers: exa nordic
