Lighthouses and Coastal Views

This collection highlights the geological diversity and maritime heritage of West Iceland, primarily along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It features the hexagonal basalt columns of Gerðuberg and the volcanic plugs at Lóndrangar. The route includes several operational lighthouses, such as the bright orange Svörtuloft tower and the hilltop Súgandisey, alongside scenic fjords like Kolgrafafjörður, known for its birdlife and seasonal whale sightings. These sites showcase the volcanic history and navigation landmarks of the rugged Icelandic coast.

Lighthouses and Coastal Views — Mapa

TommyBee / Public domain

A

Basalt Cliffs Gerðuberg

Come and admire the majestic basalt columns that resemble the wall of a rock castle.

Anjali Kiggal / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Lóndrangar Cliffs

The Lóndrangar are a pair of rock pinnacles in Iceland. They are volcanic plugs of basalt, that have been hewn out from softer surrounding…

Raul Hernandez / CC-BY-SA

C

Svörtuloft

A 13-meter high, bright orange lighthouse built in 1931. It stands atop steep black lava cliffs on the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Álftafjörður

A narrow fjord on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, named "Swan Fjord" for the large numbers of whooper swans that frequent its waters.

Reykholt / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Borgarfjörður

Borgarfjörður is a fjord in the west of Iceland near the town of Borgarnes.

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Kolgrafafjörður

A deep fjord crossed by a bridge on Route 54. It is a known site for herring runs, which frequently attract large numbers of orcas and sea birds.

G

Súgandisey

A basalt island protecting the harbor of Stykkishólmur. A red lighthouse sits atop its cliffs, offering views of the Breiðafjörður islands.

H

Öndverðarnes

A small, square orange lighthouse marking the westernmost point of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, situated amidst jagged lava fields.

I

Arnarstapi

A small white lighthouse located in a historic fishing village, serving as a landmark for the coastal path known for its sea arches and basalt formations.

J

Ólafsvík

A functional lighthouse serving one of Iceland's oldest trading ports and fishing villages on the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.