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Flatey Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Flatey Lighthouse

A cylindrical concrete tower standing 9.5 meters tall, the Flatey Lighthouse was first lit in 1963. Its yellow structure is topped by a red lantern, and the light emits a single white flash every 15 seconds. Situated on the east side of Flatey island in Skjálfandi Bay, this lighthouse replaced an earlier station established in 1913. The island itself, located north of its former settlement, saw its last inhabitants leave in 1967. The focal height of the light reaches 27 meters, providing a geographic range of 14.7 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels around the low-lying Flatey island, a potential hazard within Skjálfandi Bay.

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
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1963

Significant events: station established 1913, last inhabitants departed from island 1967

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow, lantern red
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Þingeyjarsveit
Sea Region
Flatey (Flat Island) is an island in Skjálfandi Bay. Located on the east side of the island, north of the former settlement.
Latitude
66.1631°
Longitude
-17.8425°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Husavik - hofn(13.9 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Flatey Lighthouse at night?+
Flatey 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 Flatey Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Flatey Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Husavik - høfn at 13.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Grenivík (15.2 NM SSW), Hrisey (17.2 NM SW), Arskogssandur (18 NM SW), Dalvík (20.2 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Flatey Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Flatey 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 Flatey Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Flatey 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.