Skip to content

Or try searching by Category and/or Location

Lighthouses

Lighthouses are both interesting and visual buildings that can be fun to explore. Due to their part, lighthouses are prominent, as they need to be seen from the sea, and they are a symbol of safety and hope. In addition, lighthouses are closely associated with the history of Austurland, more than many other types of buildings because settlements in Austurland formed around the fishing industry. 

Hafnarnesviti
Hafnarnesviti lighthouse is not the biggest one but is well worth the hike to get there. There was a small settlement on Hafranes. At some point, 100 people lived there, but most moved away early 20th century, and by 1970, it was completely abandoned. In 1939, the French Hospital was exported to Hafnarnes, and it stood there for about 70 years. The extensive building now forms the core of the French house cluster in Fáskrúðsfjörður.
Vattarnesviti
Vattarnesiviti lighthouse is located on Vattarnes. There has been a lighthouse at Vattarnes since 1912 but the one standing today was built in 1957.  The Vattarnes peninsula is part of a beautiful coastline between Reyðarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður. 
Brimnesviti
Brimnesviti lighthouse is loated on Brimnes peninsula, which is situated on the north side of Seyðisfjörður´s coastline. A 10 km. drive from the town centre brings guests to Selsstaðir farm. A hiking trail leads from the farm to Brimnes. For centuries, this was one of the bigges fishing centres in Iceland. Traces of old buildings are still visible. 
Æðarsteinsviti Lighthouse
Æðarsteinn lighthouse - a pretty structure, a little way inland from the Gleðivík Eggs. Walking distance from the Tankur. It´s a nice place worth visiting during the walk.
Streitisviti
A lighthouse was first built at Streitishvarf in 1922 and it operated until 1958, when it was removed due to the building of a new lighthouse in Breiðdalsvík. The Streitisviti lighthouse operating today was built in 1984.  Streitishvarf is a great outdoor area, suitable for the whole family. A beautiful, short hiking trail offers a brilliant insight to the geological history of Austurland, especially the dikes that are characteristic for the area. Although the hiking trail is short, it is a great place to stop for a few hours; to play and enjoy the nature. 
Kolbeinstangi Lighthouse
Kolbeinstangaviti Lighthouse is just under 20 meters tall and stands in a magnificent location in Leiðarhöfn, Vopnafjörður. The lighthouse was built in 1942 but was not put into use until two years later when the lighting equipment finally arrived from England. The lighthouse is coated with light quartz, and the dark surfaces are covered with obsidian gravel. Kolbeinstangaviti is the only lighthouse that has retained this appearance, meaning it has not been brushed with any sealant. There is a beautiful and easy walking path from the village along the gravel road to Leiðarhöfn and the lighthouse. The path offers a lovely view over the village and the fjord. An old mining road branching off the main road to Leiðarhöfn also makes for an enjoyable walk out to Kolbeinstangi.  The peninsula's tip offers stunning scenery ideal for outdoor activities and very popular among locals.
Dalatangaviti
At Dalatangi, there are two lighthouses. The older one was built by the fishing operator Ottó Wathne in 1895. He paid for the lighthouse construction, which is made of basalt with stone glue in between. The Danish Lighthouse Institute then provided lighting fixtures, a kerosene lamp, and a mirror to amplify the light. Following the construction, the National Treasury took over the operation of the lighthouse. The younger lighthouse was built in 1908 and is still in use. The road to Dalatangi lies from Mjóifjörður town. It is not possible to drive further east in Iceland. At Dalatangi, there is an excellent view to the north, to Glettingur and into Loðmundarfjörður and Seyðisfjörður. Dalatangi has a weather station, and a regular observations have been made there since 1938.