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Grímsey Lighthouse

Fl White 20s🇮🇸ISOperational

Built in 1937, this cylindrical concrete lighthouse stands 9 meters tall and is painted yellow with a red lantern. It is situated on the southeastern tip of Grímsey, an island situated on the Arctic Circle 41 kilometers north of Iceland's mainland. The light emits a single white flash every 20 seconds from a focal height of 27 meters, offering a geographic range of 14.7 nautical miles. The structure includes a lantern and gallery. Grímsey is known for its significant bird colonies and a permanent population of around 150 people, with access via air or ferry from Dalvik.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the isolated Grímsey community, providing navigational guidance for ferries and supply vessels connecting the island to mainland Iceland and ensuring safe passage in Arctic waters.

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM
Year Built
1937
Nearest Port
Grimsey(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
L4674
NGA No.
18796
ARLHS No.
ICE-007
Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
Yellow with a red lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Akureyrarbær
Sea Region
Grímsey is an island precisely on the Arctic Circle, 41 km (25.5 mi) north of the mainland. The island has a permanent population of about 150 and is famous for its huge bird colonies. Grímsey is accessible by air or by ferry from Dalvik. Located on the southeastern tip of the island.
Latitude
66.5282°
Longitude
-17.9817°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Grímsey Lighthouse at night?+
Grímsey displays the characteristic Fl White 20s. 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 Grímsey Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grímsey Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is GRIMSEY at 1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Olafsfjørdur (31.7 NM SSW), Siglufjørdur - høfn (31.8 NM SW), Husavik - høfn (32.7 NM SSE), Hrisey (34.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grímsey Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grímsey 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 Grímsey Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grímsey 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.