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Grótta Lighthouse

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Grótta Lighthouse is situated at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, on the westernmost edge of the Greater Reykjavík area. The first beacon at this strategically vital point was established in 1897, while the current 23-meter-high tower dates back to 1947. The lighthouse secures maritime traffic in Faxaflói Bay and stands as a prominent symbol of the region's seafaring heritage. A unique feature of Grótta is its connection to the mainland via a narrow neck of land that is completely submerged during high tide, requiring visitors to be highly aware of tidal schedules. The surrounding area has been a nature reserve since 1974 and serves as an important nesting ground for various bird species, including Arctic terns and eider ducks. Due to minimal light pollution, the site is a popular gathering spot during winter months for observing the Northern Lights. The combination of historical architecture, wild coastal nature, and proximity to the capital makes Grótta one of the most beloved excursion sites near Reykjavík.

Location: Iceland
Top sights: Grótta · Grótta lighthouse · Kvika
Nearby: Reykjavík (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	0	0	1	3	6	9	11	11	8	4	2	0
Rain mm	169	152	154	119	93	83	99	121	181	147	149	172

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Grótta Lighthouse is on a small island accessible only at low tide. A footpath from the mainland leads across at low tide.

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Typical hours

Access to the island is strictly tied to the tides. Be sure to check local low and high tide times before your visit.

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Photography

The lighthouse with the surrounding bird cliffs is a popular photo subject. Sunset provides particularly atmospheric shots.

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Time needed

A visit typically takes one to two hours including the walk to and from. Allow plenty of time considering the tide table.

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Combine with

Combines well with a walk along the coast of Seltjarnarnes. Nearby Reykjavik also features many other attractions.

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Getting there

The lighthouse is reachable on foot from the Reykjavik district of Seltjarnarnes. Parking is available along the coastal road.

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Insider tip

Set a timer for your return to avoid being caught by the rising tide. Rubber boots are advisable as the path can be wet in places.

Geography

Coordinates

64.16480, -22.02110

Facts

The current lighthouse was constructed in 1947.
The tower has a total height of exactly 23 meters.
The area has been designated as a nature reserve since 1974.
Access is often restricted during the nesting season in May and June.
The causeway to Grótta is only walkable for about 6 hours per tidal cycle.
A lighthouse has stood at this location since 1897.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Seltjarnarnes2 km · SEExplore →

Reykjavík Maritime Museum4 km · EExplore →

Hallgrímskirkja5 km · SEExplore →

Bessastaðir7 km · SExplore →

Reykjavik Botanical Garden8 km · EExplore →

Viðeyjarkirkja8 km · EExplore →

Kópavogur8 km · SEExplore →

Garðabær10 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Grótta Lighthouse (8)

Grótta

Nature reserve on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, with bird colonies.

Grótta lighthouse

Lighthouse in Iceland, at the tip of the Grótta peninsula.

Kvika

Attraction in Seltjarnarnes, a hot spring on the beach.

Bakkatjörn

Nature reserve in Seltjarnarnes, a pond with waterfowl.

Suðurnesvarða

Cairn in Seltjarnarnes, built as a landmark.

Valhúsahæð

Nature reserve in Seltjarnarnes, a hill with a view.

Camp Grótta

Ruins of a former military camp on the Grótta peninsula.

Seltjarnarneskirkja

Church building in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When can you walk to Grótta lighthouse?

Only during low tide; at high tide, the connecting path is flooded.

Are there access restrictions?

During the bird nesting season (May-June), access to the island is prohibited.

Is Grótta a good place for Northern Lights?

Yes, due to low light pollution at the edge of Reykjavík.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is a public parking lot at the end of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula.

Are there restrooms?

There are generally no public restrooms in the immediate vicinity.

Grótta Lighthouse: where is it located?

Grótta Lighthouse is located in Iceland.

Grótta Lighthouse: what is there to see?

Highlights include Grótta, Grótta lighthouse, Kvika.

Grótta Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Grótta Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?

Grótta Lighthouse is situated at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, on the westernmost edge of the Greater Reykjavík area.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →