Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Melrakkanes Lighthouse

Fl White/Red 12s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Melrakkanes Lighthouse

Melrakkanes Lighthouse, built in 1956, is a yellow, cylindrical concrete tower standing 12 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 23 meters above sea level. Located on a cape approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Raufarhöfn, it marks the northern entrance to Thistilfjörður bay. The lighthouse emits a white or red light that flashes on a 12-second cycle, providing a geographic range of 13.8 nautical miles. Its design includes a semicircular cylindrical concrete tower topped with a lantern and gallery. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime safety, guiding vessels through the northern entrance to Thistilfjörður bay. Its directional light offers specific warnings for navigation around Melrakkanes cape and the approach to Raufarhöfn.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W or R 12s
Focal Height
23m
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1956

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow
Material
concrete

Structure: semicircular cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Langanesbyggð
Sea Region
Located on a cape about 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Raufarhöfn, marking the northern entrance to the bay called the Thistilfjörður.
Latitude
66.3964°
Longitude
-15.7057°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Raufarhofn(6.6 km)
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Melrakkanes Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Iceland, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Melrakkanes Lighthouse at night?+
Melrakkanes displays the characteristic Fl White/Red 12s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Melrakkanes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Melrakkanes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Raufarhöfn at 6.7 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Thorshofn (15 NM SE), Kopasker - høfn (18.8 NM WSW), Bakkafjördur (31 NM SE), Husavik - høfn (45.1 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Melrakkanes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Melrakkanes 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 Melrakkanes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Melrakkanes 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.