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Grótta Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 20s🇮🇸Seltjarnarnesbær, ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Grótta Lighthouse

Grótta Lighthouse, constructed of concrete, was built and first lit in 1897. The white tower, topped with a red lantern, stands 23 meters tall and reaches a focal height of 24 meters. It emits three flashes of white, red, and green light in a 20-second cycle, visible for 14.1 nautical miles. Situated on a small island off the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, approximately 15 kilometers west of downtown Reykjavík, the lighthouse marks the entrance to the city's harbor. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into Reykjavík's harbor. Its unique accessibility by foot across tidal flats at low tide makes it a distinctive local landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WRG 20s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1897

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Color
white with red lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Seltjarnarnesbær
Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Sea Region
Grótta is an island off the end of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula about 15 km (9 mi) west of downtown Reykjavík. The lighthouse marks the entrance to the city's harbor.
Latitude
64.1625°
Longitude
-22.0135°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Skerjafjordur(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
L4501
NGA No.
18292
ARLHS No.
ICE-044
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Grótta Lighthouse at night?+
Grótta displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 20s — 3 white/red/green flashes every 20 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Grótta Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Grótta Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Skerjafjördur at 0.8 NM to the S. Other ports served include Kópavogur (3.6 NM SSE), Reykjavík (3.8 NM ESE), Hafnarfjørdur (5.8 NM S), Straumsvik (7.1 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Grótta Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Grótta 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 Grótta Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Grótta 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.