On the southern slopes of Öskjuhlíð, a wooded hill near Reykjavík University, construction continues on a building not seen in Iceland for over a millennium. Hof Ásatrúarfélagsins is set to become the first major temple in the country dedicated to Norse gods since the days of the early Vikings. This project is the collective effort of Ásatrúarfélagið, a modern heathen organisation, which revived Icelandic pagan traditions in the twentieth century.
An ambitious revival for an ancient tradition
Ideas for this new hof, meaning “temple” or “hall” in Icelandic, emerged in 2005, when Ásatrúarfélagið sold its Reykjavík property. The increase in real estate value made the founding of a new, purpose-built sacred space attainable. Originally, land in Elliðaárdalur was requested, but city leadership instead suggested a plot on Öskjuhlíð hill. After a few adjustments due to airport safety zones, a final site on the hill’s southern face was allocated in 2008.
The land was given to the organization by Reykjavík city, while all construction costs came from Ásatrúarfélagið itself. Five different architectural proposals were considered, with Icelandic architect Magnús Jensson’s concept, blending timeless elements without copying any one age, ultimately chosen.
From concept to construction challenges
From the start, Hof Ásatrúarfélagsins encountered setbacks. The 2008–2011 financial crisis severely diminished available funds, delaying progress for years. When ground was officially broken during a solar eclipse in March 2015, optimism was high, yet technical difficulties followed, particularly with the building’s ambitious inverted dome structure, designed to let in shifting sunlight throughout the days and seasons.
The structure is largely made from concrete and Icelandic wood, covering about 350 square meters and designed to accommodate up to 250 people. Built into the hillside, it uses the natural rock as a wall, capturing water that runs down its surface. Sacred numbers to Ásatrúarfélagið, including nine, 432,000 and values based on the golden ratio, are worked into the very geometry of the building.
Construction has continued in stages, with the office section completed by 2022 and the main ceremonial dome still awaiting finalisation. Difficulties sourcing materials, especially for the dome’s steel frame, led to further delays. The total estimated cost has increased over the years, with the organisation opting to avoid loans and instead proceed as funds allow.
Just outside, a memorial stone stands in honour of Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson, Ásatrúarfélagið’s founding allsherjargoði (chief pagan priest), dedicated at a land-spirit ceremony in 2010.
Planned for use in ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts and daily administration, the temple is intended as a focus not only for Icelandic heathen revival but also for future study of mythology. The name “hof Ásatrúarfélagsins” remains descriptive for now, with the association inviting suggestions from the public before settling on a formal title at the building’s consecration.
