Garðskagaviti (1897)

Garðskagaviti (1897) is a historic lighthouse located on the easternmost tip of Iceland's Southern Peninsula. The lighthouse was built in 1897 and is the second-oldest concrete structure in Iceland, standing 11.4 meters tall and made from iron-reinforced concrete. A second lighthouse was built in 1944 to replace the original, which now houses the Heritage and Maritime Museum since 1995.

The original lighthouse had a troubled history, with plans dating back to 1878 but facing opposition from the Danish government, which eventually agreed to provide the light fixture but not the entire structure. The Icelandic government provided funding, and the lighthouse was built with a catadioptric rotating lens that magnified the light. However, the lighthouse's foundation proved unstable, and it began to erode due to the ocean's effects, leading to the construction of a footbridge and a concrete platform to secure the ground.

Today, Garðskagaviti (1897) is a protected cultural heritage site, including the original lighthouse, outbuildings, and surrounding structures. Its current status highlights the importance of preserving Iceland's maritime history and heritage, and the lighthouse remains an iconic landmark on the country's southern coast.

Light and tower

The light has a focal height of 28 metres. The light has a range of 15 nautical miles. Its recorded status is inactive.