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Malarrif Lighthouse

Fl (4) White/Red/Green 30s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Malarrif Lighthouse

The Malarrif Lighthouse, a 24-meter tall cylindrical concrete tower, was built in 1946. It features four buttresses, a lantern, and a gallery, and stands 30 meters above sea level. The tower is painted white with a red lantern. It emits a complex light pattern of four flashes, alternating between white, red, and green, every 30 seconds, with a geographic range of 15.3 nautical miles. This structure is located on Iceland's south coast of the Snæfells peninsula, about 15 kilometers southwest of Gröf.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides specific directional guidance for vessels navigating the south coast of the Snæfells peninsula, a region known for challenging coastal conditions.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White/Red/Green 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl(4) WRG 30s
Focal Height
30m
Light Range
16NM (29.6 km)
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1946

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Olafsvik(10.5 km)
Admiralty No.
L4534
NGA No.
18412
ARLHS No.
ICE-067
Wikidata
Q3378310 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with four buttresses, lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Snæfellsbær
Sea Region
on the south coast of the Snæfells peninsula about 15 km southwest of Gröf
Latitude
64.7282°
Longitude
-23.8030°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Malarrif Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 30 meters and a nominal range of 16 nautical miles (approximately 29.6 km), Malarrif is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Malarrif Lighthouse at night?+
Malarrif displays the characteristic Fl (4) White/Red/Green 30s — 4 white/red/green flashes every 30 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 Malarrif Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Malarrif Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Olafsvík at 10.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Rif-Hellisandur (11.4 NM N), Grundarfjørdur (18.4 NM NE), Stykkisholmur - høfn (34.3 NM NE), Flatey (44.2 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Malarrif Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Malarrif 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 Malarrif Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Malarrif 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.