Snæfellsjökull Visitor Center by ARKÍS in Iceland

At the edge of Iceland’s dramatic Snæfellsnes peninsula, a quietly powerful structure rises from the lava fields: the Snæfellsjökull National Park Visitor Center in Hellissandur. Completed in 2022 and designed by Reykjavík-based ARKÍS Architects, the building is less of a landmark and more of a seamless addition to the landscape. Balancing functionality with form, and rooted in a strong environmental ethic, the project reimagines what a visitor center can be—not just a stopover, but an integral part of the experience of place.

Architecture by Adaptation: ARKÍS’ Approach

Founded in 1997, ARKÍS Architects have long held sustainability and context as central to their practice. With work spanning both public and private commissions across Iceland and abroad, the firm prioritizes architecture that enhances quality of life and engages deeply with the natural environment. Their design for the Snæfellsjökull Visitor Center emerged from a 2006 open competition, winning first prize for a proposal that envisioned the building not as a standalone object, but as a connected system of views, movement, and experience.

This approach aligns with ARKÍS’ broader architectural philosophy: that buildings should belong to their surroundings as much as they serve the people who use them. Here, that meant developing a structure that rests lightly on the land—both visually and physically—while serving as a gateway to one of Iceland’s most iconic national parks.

Glacial Cape and Fishbone: A Site-Specific Form

The building is composed of two intersecting volumes, each with distinct identities: Glacial Cape and Fishbone. One houses public-facing amenities—exhibition space, café, lecture areas—while the other serves as a workplace for national park staff. Timber cladding reinforces this division: horizontal panels along the Glacial Cape, vertical ones for the Fishbone.

Inspiration came from both the landscape and local fauna. The form subtly mimics a whale’s dual perspective—eyes on either side of the head—suggesting that different angles of approach yield different experiences. A key feature is the cantilevered section that hovers above the lava field, creating a sense that the building has “landed” lightly on the terrain, rather than carved into it. This required a new structural strategy due to the site’s seismic activity, particularly in managing the stresses of unsupported spans.

Visitors don’t approach the center head-on. Instead, a winding path from the parking area guides them through lava formations, with the building slowly revealing itself. This measured unveiling adds to the drama, reinforcing a sense of arrival. The trail continues up to the roof deck, offering panoramic views across glacier, sea, and village.

A Center Rooted in Sustainability

Environmental responsibility was embedded in every aspect of the project. The center meets the rigorous standards of BREEAM certification, one of the leading sustainability benchmarks in building design. All timber is FSC-certified, ensuring responsible sourcing, and construction waste was carefully tracked and minimized. Exterior materials were chosen for durability and low maintenance, eliminating the need for ongoing treatment or paint.

Access also reflects this ethos. Pedestrian and cycling routes thread through the building itself, connecting it naturally with the surrounding national park. By prioritizing low-impact mobility and design that respects the landscape, the center fosters a more integrated relationship between visitors and the environment they’ve come to explore.

A Public Interface with Nature

At 710 square meters, the Snæfellsjökull Visitor Center is modest in size but ambitious in intent. It acts not only as a facility for orientation and education but as an extension of the landscape itself—facilitating the transition between built environment and wild terrain. More than a building, it’s a viewing platform, a pathway, and a cultural meeting point—designed not to impress from a distance, but to be discovered up close.

Technical Sheet