Lighthouses in Iceland | Everything You Need To Know

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How many lighthouses are there in Iceland? What roles have they played in the country's history, and which ones are worth visiting during your trip? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about lighthouses in Iceland, plus how to find them.

Scattered across Iceland’s vast coastline, lighthouses have long served as critical guardians of the sea. With over 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) of rugged shoreline, fierce storms, and remote harbors, Iceland’s coastal waters have always demanded careful navigation. Lighthouses weren’t just helpful. They were essential.

Today, more than 100 lighthouses stand throughout the country. Some are still active; others serve as historical landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Each one has a story to tell of shipwrecks and safe returns, of architecture shaped by nature, and of solitude in the face of the elements.

Whether you're birdwatching on remote sea cliffs, strolling coastal trails near Reykjavik, or planning self-drive tours around Iceland, lighthouses are quiet treasures scattered across the landscape. This guide will take you through the most iconic, accessible, and unforgettable lighthouses to visit, plus history, travel tips, and preservation efforts along the way.

Key Takeaways

Iceland maintains over 100 lighthouses, many located in dramatic, scenic, and remote coastal settings.
Some lighthouses, like Grotta and Akranesviti, are easily accessible, while others — like Thridrangar — require more adventurous travel.
Many lighthouses are no longer operational, but efforts are underway to preserve and restore them for cultural and tourism purposes.
Wildlife, architecture, and history all converge at these coastal landmarks — some even double as puffin-viewing hotspots in summer.

Learn more about Iceland's buildings with the History of Icelandic Architecture

Guiding Lights on Iceland’s Rugged Shores

Photo from Joshua Ang

Before ports or proper coastal infrastructure appeared, Icelanders lit fires atop hills or used church steeples along the shoreline to guide their loved ones safely back from the sea. Long before GPS or radar, light was the only lifeline through winter storms, towering swells, and unrelenting fog.

Many of these early beacons were part of Iceland’s most beautiful churches, which played a surprising role in the country’s maritime past.

With a history shaped by seafaring and survival, Iceland developed an enduring relationship with the ocean, and, by extension, a deep reverence for lighthouses. These structures weren’t just tools for navigation; they were symbols of survival, built to withstand some of the harshest coastal conditions on Earth.

The first official lighthouse in Iceland, Reykjanesviti, was constructed in 1878 on the southern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Since then, more than 100 lighthouses have been built along Iceland’s 3,107-mile (5,000-kilometer) coastline. Some are perched on isolated cliffs, while others are nestled between tranquil harbors.

The Icelandic word for lighthouse, viti, comes from the verb vita, which means “to know.” A fitting name for a structure designed to show the way, whether through treacherous waters or thick coastal mist.

Iceland’s lighthouses are more than just functional maritime structures; they’re cultural landmarks that offer a window into the country’s seafaring past. Many are perched in breathtaking locations, from wave-battered cliffs to remote fjords, providing travelers with unforgettable views and a deeper connection to Iceland's coastal identity.

Not-To-Miss Lighthouses Across Iceland

Before we dive into individual highlights, here’s a quick look at some of Iceland’s most memorable lighthouses. Whether you're planning your itinerary or just curious about what makes each one special, this list offers a quick look at Iceland’s standout lighthouses. Each one is memorable for its location, design, history, or sheer wow factor.

Most Photogenic: Svortuloft, Gardskagaviti, and Thridrangar
Most Accessible: Grotta (near Reykjavik), Akranesviti, and Reykjanesviti
Best for Puffin Watching: Dyrholaey, Bjargtangar, and Svortuloft
Most Remote: Thridrangar and Dalatangaviti
Oldest: Reykjanesviti (originally built in 1878)
Most Architecturally Unique: Knarraros Lighthouse
Westernmost in Europe: Bjargtangar Lighthouse

Iceland’s Most Iconic Lighthouses

From their humble beginnings as hillside fires to the weather-beaten towers that dot the coast today, Iceland’s lighthouses have evolved alongside the island’s deep connection to the sea. Each one marks more than a navigational point — they represent resilience, ingenuity, and an Icelandic blend of function and beauty.

Whether you’re chasing coast views, historic charm, or a perfect windswept photo, here are some of the most captivating lighthouses to visit across the country.

Grotta Lighthouse — A Coastal Escape in Reykjavik

Over 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Hallgrimskirkja Church in central Reykjavik, Grotta Lighthouse offers a retreat at the edge of the capital.

Located in the peninsula town of Seltjarnarnes, this beloved lighthouse is a popular spot for residents and visitors to enjoy the sea air and sweeping views. On dark winter nights, it also offers a chance to experience the northern lights in Reykjavik.

A lighthouse has stood at Grotta since 1897, though the area’s history goes back even further, with a farmstead occupying the site as early as the 16th century. The current structure was built in 1947 and, aside from being connected to the electrical grid in 1956, has remained largely unchanged ever since.

The protected Grotta Nature Reserve surrounds the lighthouse, established in 1974 to safeguard the abundant birdlife. The area is interwoven with walking and cycling paths, and the view across Faxafloi Bay makes it one of the most picturesque spots within city reach.

Visiting Iceland in summer? Be aware that sections of the reserve are closed off in June to protect nesting birds. And yes, the locals aren’t joking when they warn you about dive-bombing Arctic terns. Cross into restricted areas, and you may earn both a fine and a sharp peck on the head.

Note, too, that access to Grotta Lighthouse is based on the tides. At high tide, the path across the sandbar is submerged, so plan your visit around low tide if you’d like to get up close.

Travel Tips

How To Visit: Easily accessible by rental cars, public Straeto bus, bike, or on foot from downtown Reykjavik.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for ocean views and peaceful scenery, or return on a dark winter night for a chance to see the northern lights.

See also: Sightseeing in Reykjavik

Reykjanesviti — Iceland’s Oldest Lighthouse

Standing tall on the windswept cliffs of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Reykjanesviti holds the distinction of being Iceland’s oldest lighthouse and one of its most iconic.

The original tower was constructed in 1878 along the peninsula’s southwestern edge, serving as a critical landfall light for ships heading to Keflavik and Reykjavik. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an earthquake eight years later.

In 1929, the current lighthouse, a 102-foot (31-meter) concrete tower with a classic design, was built in its place, standing strong ever since.

A two-story keeper’s residence was later added nearby, and in a rarity for modern lighthouses, Reykjanesviti has an active lighthouse keeper to this day. This enduring human presence adds a layer of tradition and continuity that many other lighthouses in Iceland have long since lost.

With steam vents, lava fields, and the roaring Atlantic all within view, Reykjanesviti is more than a navigational relic. It’s a living monument to Iceland’s maritime heritage, and a worthy stop for anyone exploring the Reykjanes loop.

Travel Tip

How To Visit: The lighthouse is reachable by car or through guided Reykjanes tours.

Suggested Tours

Reykjanes Volcano & Sightseeing Tour: A day trip from Reykjavik featuring geothermal areas, lava fields, volcanic landscapes, and a scenic stop near Reykjanesviti Lighthouse.
Small Group Reykjanes Tour With Optional Blue Lagoon Drop-Off: Explore dramatic coastal cliffs and volcanic hotspots with optional drop-off at the Blue Lagoon or Keflavik Airport, making it ideal for your arrival or departure day.

Akranesviti — Twin Beacons of the West Coast

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Pjt56. No edits made.

The coastal town of Akranes, 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Reykjavik, is home to not one, but two lighthouses, standing side by side at the edge of the harbor. While the town is better known for its industrial heritage, these striking white towers offer a softer, more scenic side of Akranes, and are well worth the detour for lighthouse lovers and history buffs.

The older of the two lighthouses, built in 1918, is one of the earliest concrete lighthouses in Iceland. In 1944, a larger lighthouse was constructed just a few meters away, and it remains in use today.

Today, the newer Akranesviti not only remains active but also doubles as a small museum and exhibition space dedicated to Icelandic lighthouses and photography. Akranesviti is open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily in the summer, and on weekdays in the winter.

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to take in panoramic views of the coast and surrounding mountains — a rare treat, as many lighthouses in Iceland are closed to the public.

Quiet and uncrowded, the Akranes lighthouse duo offers a peaceful, windswept stop off the Ring Road, perfect for those craving a mix of maritime history and west coast charm.