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Garðskagi Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇮🇸Suðurnesjabær, ISOperational

A cylindrical concrete tower standing 27 meters tall, the Garðskagi lighthouse was built in 1944. It is painted white with two narrow red horizontal bands and emits a white flash every 5 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on Garðskagi, the northwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Keflavík. Although operational in 1944, it was replaced by a taller structure and subsequently refurbished. The original tower, now inactive as a lighthouse, serves as a bird observation tower, with its site open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse served as an early navigational aid for vessels navigating the waters of the Reykjanes peninsula. Its repurposing as a bird observation tower demonstrates a creative preservation of maritime heritage alongside ecological tourism.

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM
Year Built
1944

Significant events: Inactive since 1944, replaced by a taller tower, refurbished and put to use as a bird observation tower

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with two narrow red horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery

City
Suðurnesjabær
Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Sea Region
Located on Garðskagi (Cape Garð), the northwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula, about 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Keflavík.
Latitude
64.0819°
Longitude
-22.6895°
Nearest Port
Gardur(1.4 km)
Admiralty No.
L4480
NGA No.
18196
ARLHS No.
ICE-015
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How do mariners identify Garðskagi Lighthouse at night?+
Garðskagi displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Garðskagi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Garðskagi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sandgerdi at 2.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Helguvik (5.1 NM SE), KEFLAVIK (6 NM SE), Keflavikurkaupstadur (6.1 NM SE), Njardvik (7.4 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Garðskagi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Garðskagi 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 Garðskagi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Garðskagi 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.