Grótta Lighthouse
Grótta
A tidal islet beyond the city’s western headland, topped by a white lighthouse. With little light pollution, it is the top spot near the city for watching the aurora and sunsets.
Grótta sits at the western tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. It is a small island, joined to the mainland by a gravel causeway that is only passable at low tide, and it is crowned by a white lighthouse. Far from the city lights, it is the most popular aurora-viewing spot in the outskirts of Reykjavík, and on clear days you can look out toward the Snæfellsjökull glacier. There is also a small geothermal foot-soaking pool on the shore. You can walk out to the island at low tide, but check the tide times so you do not get stranded. From May to early July is the bird-breeding season, and the island is closed to visitors.
Opening hours
Open all day (island access depends on tides)
Nearby sights
- Whales of Iceland
- FlyOver Iceland
- National Museum of Iceland
- Old Harbour & Whale Watching
- The Settlement Exhibition (Reykjavík 871±2)
- Tjörnin Pond & Reykjavík City Hall
- Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
- Icelandic Phallological Museum