Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Bjargtangar Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bjargtangar Lighthouse

Also known as: Bjargtangar (Látrabjarg)

Bjargtangar Lighthouse is a square, 6-meter tall concrete tower built in 1948. It is situated atop the vertical Látrabjarg cliffs, marking Iceland's westernmost point. The lighthouse emits a single white flash every 15 seconds from a focal height of 60 meters, with a geographic range of 20.1 nautical miles. The structure itself is a two-story concrete building with the lantern positioned on the seaward side of the second floor. While the site is accessible by road, the tower remains closed to the public. The nearest port is Patreksfjordur, located 14.2 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the westernmost point of Iceland and the European mainland, serving as a significant navigational aid for vessels in the North Atlantic.

Background
The Bjargtangar Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on the cliffs of Látrabjarg in northwestern Iceland. It marks the westernmost point of Iceland and is the westernmost building of Europe.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
60m
Geographic Range
20.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1948

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square 2-story concrete building with a lantern on the seaward side of the second floor

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Vesturbyggð
Sea Region
marks the westernmost point of Iceland, and thereby the westernmost point of Europe, at longitude 24°32'03 W. Located atop a vertical cliff called Látrabjarg.
Latitude
65.5023°
Longitude
-24.5312°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Patreksfjordur(14.2 km)
Admiralty No.
L4560
NGA No.
115-18512
ARLHS No.
ICE-029
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3378179 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Bjargtangar Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Iceland, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bjargtangar Lighthouse at night?+
Bjargtangar displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Bjargtangar Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bjargtangar Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Patreksfjørdur - høfn at 14.3 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Talknafjørdur/Sveinseyri (19 NM ENE), Bildudalur - høfn (25.6 NM ENE), Brjánslækur (33.4 NM E), Thingeyri (34.3 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bjargtangar Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bjargtangar Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Bjargtangar Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bjargtangar Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.