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Vatnsnes Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red 10s🇮🇸Reykjanesbær, ISOperational

Location & Light Range

About Vatnsnes Lighthouse

Also known as: Vatnsnes (Keflavík)

The Vatnsnes Lighthouse, constructed in 1920, is an 8-meter tall cylindrical concrete tower. Its focal plane is 12 meters above sea level, and its light reaches 11 nautical miles. The structure is painted white, with the lantern room and gallery in blue. The light characteristic is three white or red flashes every 10 seconds (Fl(3) WR 10s). It is a square cylindrical concrete tower featuring a lantern and gallery, located in a warehouse zone at the northern extent of the Vatnsnes peninsula, marking the northwest approach to Keflavík harbor. The grounds are open, but the tower cannot be entered.

Why it matters: This lighthouse functions as a navigation aid for ships entering Keflavík harbor from the northwest, helping to identify safe routes and warn of potential dangers.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WR 10s
Focal Height
12m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1920

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and the lantern and gallery blue
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Reykjanesbær
Country
🇮🇸Iceland
Sea Region
Located in a warehouse area at the tip of the Vatnsnes peninsula, on the northwest side of Keflavík harbor.
Latitude
64.0020°
Longitude
-22.5430°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Keflavikurkaupstadur(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
L4488
NGA No.
115-18212
ARLHS No.
ICE-094
Wikidata
Q3378427 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Vatnsnes Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 12 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Vatnsnes 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 Vatnsnes Lighthouse at night?+
Vatnsnes displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red 10s — 3 white/red flashes every 10 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Vatnsnes Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Vatnsnes Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is KEFLAVIK at 0.2 NM to the W. Other ports served include Keflavikurkaupstadur (0.2 NM SW), Helguvik (1.2 NM NNW), Njardvik (1.3 NM SSE), Vogar (4 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Vatnsnes Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Vatnsnes 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 Vatnsnes Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Vatnsnes 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.