Guide de Voyage : Phare de Reykjanesviti

Reykjanesvíti is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, located on the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Reykholt. No edits made.

History of Reykjanesvíti Lighthouse

Reykjanesvíti lighthouse was first build in 1878, although it was damaged beyond repair just eight years later following a major earthquake. The current building was raised in 1907–1908 and, save from having gas installed in 1929, has remained little-changed since.

Due to the erosion of the cliff on which it stands, however, it is expected that a new building will be needed in the next few years.

Sites near Reykjanesvíti Lighthouse

Reykjanesviti is within sight of the geothermal area Gunnuhver, which holds the largest mud pot in Iceland. This area has a fascinating folklore, said to be the eternal prison of a ghost who terrorised the Reykjanes Peninsula.

As the lighthouse is on the tip of this Peninsula, it is close to the Blue Lagoon, a world-famous spa and treatment centre. It is also near to the Bridge Between the Continents, where visitors can walk from North America to Eurasia, and learn about the tectonic plates that divide Iceland.