Lighthouses

Hraunhafnartangi and Rifstangi are the northernmost points of Iceland, at the edge of the arctic circle. Hraunhafnartangi derives its name from the natural harbor which is mentioned in 13th century literature. Þorgeirsdys, a stone mound found on Hraunhafnartangi, is believed the burial mound of Þorgeir Hávarsson who was slain there in an epic 11th century battle chronicled in Fóstbræðrasaga. Visitors who bring pictures of themselves by Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse can receive a certificate from local service providers of having been to the northernmost point of the Icelandic mainland. Please note that the elder duck is protected under Icelandic law and all access to the nesting area and its surroundings is prohibited between April 15th and July 14th.  

Kálfshamarsvík is a small cove in the northern part of Skagi, with unusual, beautifully formed sea cliffs of columnar rock, created about 2 million years ago. At the beginning of the 20th century, fishing boats plied the waters and there was a small community of about 100 inhabitants at Kálfshamarsvík. However, by around 1940 the village had become deserted.

A beautiful walk from the little village leads to the lighthouse with a good option to discover seals and rich birdlife. It is also possible to go by car, but please close the farmer's gate.

The lighthouse is located on the south-east corner of the island. In the beginning it was run manually with a gas lamp which had to be turned on and off manually. Now days the lighthouse is automatic and plays an important role to the boat traffic in the surrounding waters. Other lighthouses built according to the same plan as the Grímsey Lighthouse are Hegranesviti and Raufarhafnarviti. 

Sauðanes lighthouse was built in the years 1933-1934 and in 1934 the sound lighthouse was also put into use, but it emitted three sound signals in fog and dark weather. The sound lighthouse was taken out of service in 1992. The lighthouses were in two towers; the sound lighthouse in the lower and the lighthouse in the higher.

The lighthouse is accessible by a hike. A sign "Ráeyri" indicates the direction to leave road No.76 at the south end of the fjord. At the end of the gravel road are options to park the car.

There is a marked trail from Bakkafjörður to Digranesviti. The lighthouse was built in 1943-1947 and is 18,4 m tall. It's good to park your car at Bakkafjörður and walk to the abandoned farm Steintún and then Digranesviti is a bit further or around 1 km. The hike is beautiful and so is the view from the lighthouse. Be careful when you walk across the cliffs to get to the lighthouse.  

It´s best to accsess the lighthouse by a short walk after you parked your car at the Geo Sea sea baths.

A small road leads from the little village Raufarhöfn "The Arctic Circle Village" up to the lighthouse on steep cliffs. A picnic bench offers the option to enjoy food with spectacular views.

The peninsula Langanes has the shape of a flying dug and the little lighthouse Fontur lays on the end of the beak in the far east end. The remote position needs its time to be discovered as the road is gravel and twisty - but so worth to go.

The lighthouse is easy to reach by car at the coast of the little village Svalbarðeyri close to Akureyri. A short walk follows the beautiful coast with amazing views to Akureyri and Eyjarfjörður.