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Þrídrangar Lighthouse

Fl White 30s🇮🇸ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Þrídrangar Lighthouse

Also known as: Þrídrangar (Thridrangur)

A square concrete tower standing 4 meters tall, Þrídrangar Lighthouse was completed and first lit in 1939. It is situated on the largest of three isolated rocks located about 13 kilometers west-northwest of Heimaey, Iceland. The lighthouse's focal height reaches 34 meters, casting a white light with a single flash every 30 seconds. Its geographic range extends to 16 nautical miles. Photos and videos of this extremely isolated lighthouse gained significant attention online in July 2016. While the site is open, the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: Þrídrangar Lighthouse marks a hazardous cluster of rocks situated west-northwest of Heimaey.

Background
Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse is an active lighthouse 7.2 kilometres off the southwest coast of Iceland, in the archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar. It is often described as one of the most isolated lighthouses in the world. Þrídrangar means three rock pillars, referring to the three named sea stacks at that location: Stóridrangur, Þúfudrangur, and Klofadrangur. The lighthouse was commissioned on 5 July 1942.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl W 30s
Focal Height
34m
Light Range
9NM (16.7 km)
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1939

Significant events: Photos and videos of this isolated and terrifying lighthouse suddenly went viral in July 2016

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
4m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
black
Material
concrete

Structure: square concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Region
Sveitarfélagið Árborg
Sea Region
Located on the largest of three isolated rocks about 13 km (8 mi) west northwest of Heimaey
Latitude
63.8234°
Longitude
-20.9757°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Stokkseyri(2.6 km)
Admiralty No.
L4802
NGA No.
18080
ARLHS No.
ICE-012
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28375893 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Þrídrangar Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 34 meters and a nominal range of 9 nautical miles (approximately 16.7 km), Þrídrangar is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Þrídrangar Lighthouse at night?+
Þrídrangar displays the characteristic Fl White 30s. 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 Þrídrangar Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Þrídrangar Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Stokkseyri at 2.6 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Thorlakshofn (10.6 NM WNW), Mosfellsbaer (28.4 NM NW), Landeyjahöfn (29 NM SE), Vestmannaeyjar - høfn (29.5 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Þrídrangar Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Þrídrangar 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 Þrídrangar Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Þrídrangar 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.