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Hópsnes Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 20s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hópsnes Lighthouse

Completed in 1928, Hópsnes Lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower painted orange with a red lantern and gallery. Standing 8 meters tall, its light is positioned 16 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 20 seconds and has a geographic range of 12.2 nautical miles. It is situated on a promontory about 2.5 kilometers southeast of Grindavík. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for vessels navigating the waters near Grindavík, marking the Hópsnes promontory and serving as a reference point in an area prone to low visibility.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1928

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
orange with red lantern and gallery
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Grindavíkurbær
Sea Region
Located on a promontory about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) southeast of Grindavík.
Latitude
63.8264°
Longitude
-22.4066°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Grindavik(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
L4828
NGA No.
18144
ARLHS No.
ICE-048
Wikidata
Q3378269 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hópsnes Lighthouse at night?+
Hópsnes displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 20s — 3 white 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hópsnes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hópsnes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Grindavík at 0.9 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Hafnir (9.1 NM NW), Vogar (9.4 NM N), Njardvik (9.8 NM NNW), Keflavikurkaupstadur (11.1 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hópsnes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hópsnes 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 Hópsnes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hópsnes 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.