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Reykjanes Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 30s🇮🇸Reykjanesbær, ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Reykjanes Lighthouse

The Reykjanes lighthouse, a cylindrical concrete tower painted white with a red lantern, stands 31 meters tall. Its light, situated 73 meters above sea level, emits a white flash every 30 seconds and has a geographic range of 21.8 nautical miles. The original lighthouse was first lit in 1879 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1887. The current structure was built in 1929 on an inactive volcanic cone near the southwestern point of the Reykjanes peninsula. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as the primary landfall light for vessels approaching Keflavík and Reykjavík.

Background
Reykjanesviti is Iceland's oldest lighthouse, located at Reykjanestá. It serves as a landfall light for Reykjavík and Keflavík.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl W 30s
Focal Height
73m
Light Range
22NM (40.7 km)
Geographic Range
21.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1929
First Lit
1879

Significant events: original lighthouse destroyed by an earthquake in 1887

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white, lantern red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Reykjanesbær
Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Sea Region
landfall light for Keflavík and Reykjavík, located atop a hill (an inactive volcanic cone) near the southwestern point of the Reykjanes peninsula, about 16 km west of Grindavík and 20 km southwest of Keflavík
Latitude
63.8156°
Longitude
-22.7042°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Grindavik(7.4 km)
Admiralty No.
L4466
NGA No.
18172
ARLHS No.
ICE-020
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q937891 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Reykjanes Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 73 meters and a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (approximately 40.7 km), Reykjanes 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 Reykjanes Lighthouse at night?+
Reykjanes displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 30s — 2 white 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Reykjanes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Reykjanes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hafnir at 6.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include Grindavík (7.4 NM E), Njardvik (10.9 NM NNE), Keflavikurkaupstadur (11.8 NM NNE), KEFLAVIK (11.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Reykjanes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Reykjanes 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 Reykjanes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Reykjanes 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.