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Kálfshamars Lighthouse

LFl (2) White/Red/Green 20s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kálfshamars Lighthouse

Also known as: Kálfshamars (Kálfshamarsvík)

Constructed in 1942, this white cylindrical concrete tower stands 16 meters tall, with its lantern reaching a focal height of 23 meters. Its square base supports a structure topped with a red lantern and gallery. The lighthouse emits two white flashes, or a red or green flash, every 20 seconds, visible for nearly 14 nautical miles. Wartime difficulties delayed its initial lighting until 1942, two years after the tower's completion. The site is open to the public, offering views of the surrounding landscape, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the eastern entrance to Húnaflói bay, offering precise guidance for vessels navigating Iceland's northern coast. Its delayed operational start due to World War II ties it to that historical period.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
LFl (2) White/Red/Green 20s
Flash Type
Long Flash
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
LFl(2) WRG 20s
Focal Height
23m
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1942

Significant events: World War II delayed lighting equipment

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Húnabyggð
Sea Region
eastern entrance to the broad bay of Húnaflói, about 25 km north of Skagaströnd
Latitude
66.0172°
Longitude
-20.4329°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Skagastrond(12.0 km)
ARLHS No.
ICE-058
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kálfshamars Lighthouse at night?+
Kálfshamars displays the characteristic LFl (2) White/Red/Green 20s — 2 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 Kálfshamars Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kálfshamars Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Skagaströnd at 12 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Blonduos (21.4 NM S), Saudarkrokur - høfn (25 NM SE), Hofsós (25.8 NM ESE), Nordurfjördur (27.2 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kálfshamars Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kálfshamars 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 Kálfshamars Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kálfshamars 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.