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Natural Monuments

Grótta Lighthouse

Natural Monuments

Grótta Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

Grótta Lighthouse

Name: Grótta Lighthouse
Rating: 2

Recommended by 52 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Grótta

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Location: Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

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Best Hikes to Grótta Lighthouse

4.4

(28)

145

hikers

1. Harpa Concert Hall – Sun Voyager (Sólfar) Sculpture loop from Hlemmur

20.0km

05:08

80m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

5.0

(7)

hikers

2. The Unknown Bureaucrat – Grótta Lighthouse loop from Skuggahverfi

12.8km

03:19

70m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(8)

hikers

3. Kvika Footbath Hot Spring – View of the Bay loop from Gamli Vesturbærinn

10.1km

02:33

20m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Nils

November 19, 2017

When visiting the lighthouse, be sure to read the attached tide table.
At the bird breeding season (dates are announced) the area around the lighthouse is closed.

Translated by Google •

Jörg

August 14, 2025

The Island of Grótta and Grótta Lighthouse
Grótta, Seltjarnarnes 170, 595 9100
Website: seltjarnarnes.is/is/mannlif-nattura/nattura-og-dyralif/grotta

Email: postur@seltjarnarnes.is

Grótta, located in Seltjarnarnes City Area, is a captivating natural and historical site that offers visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty and rich heritage. On a small peninsula at the westernmost tip of the Greater Reykjavík area, Grótta is renowned for its iconic lighthouse, stunning coastal views, and abundant wildlife.

The Grótta Lighthouse, built in 1897 and later reconstructed in 1947, is a prominent landmark. Its stark white structure contrasts beautifully with the rugged landscape and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is still operational, guiding ships safely through Faxaflói Bay. Visitors can walk along the causeway to the lighthouse during low tide, providing a close-up view of this historic beacon and its surrounding tidal flats.

One of the main attractions of Grótta is its breathtaking natural environment. The area is a designated nature reserve, offering a sanctuary for various bird species, especially during the migratory seasons. Bird watchers flock to Grótta to observe species such as Arctic terns, eiders, and numerous gulls. The combination of coastal meadows, rocky shores, and tidal pools creates a diverse ecosystem that supports this vibrant birdlife.
Grótta is also a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. The walking and cycling paths around the peninsula provide a scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts, with panoramic views of the ocean, Mount Esja, and even glimpses of Reykjavík's skyline. In the winter months, Grótta becomes a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights, offering an unobstructed view of the celestial display.

The area around Grótta is rich in folklore and history, adding a layer of cultural depth to its natural allure. Tales of sea monsters, shipwrecks, and maritime legends are part of the local lore, connecting visitors to the region's seafaring past.

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Elevation 0 m

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Friday 24 October

7°C

1°C

70 %

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Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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Location: Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

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Grótta Lighthouse

1. Harpa Concert Hall – Sun Voyager (Sólfar) Sculpture loop from Hlemmur

2. The Unknown Bureaucrat – Grótta Lighthouse loop from Skuggahverfi

3. Kvika Footbath Hot Spring – View of the Bay loop from Gamli Vesturbærinn

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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