Grótta Lighthouse: A Magical Place Near Reykjavik

What's the Grótta Lighthouse?

Grótta Lighthouse sits on a tiny island at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. It helps ships navigate the tricky waters of Faxaflói Bay. But it's more than just a lighthouse – it's a place where history, wildlife, and natural beauty come together.

Standing 23 meters (75 feet) tall, the lighthouse is painted white with a bright red top, making it really stand out against Iceland's often gray skies. It has a round tower with a classic look that photographers love. The light sits 24 meters above sea level, and ships can see it from 17 miles away, helping them stay safe on the water. The lighthouse is built strong and has survived decades of Iceland's tough weather, from wild winter storms to summer winds.

History & Facts

The first lighthouse at Grótta was built in 1897, but what you see today was rebuilt in 1947. They added electricity in 1956, bringing it up to date while keeping its historic charm.

The name "Grótta" might come from an old word for a wheat-grinding mill. Records show a farm was here back in the 16th century. This area has deeper roots too – Seltjarnarnes was once more important than Reykjavík and is one of Iceland's oldest settlements.

The lighthouse still works today. It flashes in a specific pattern: three short flashes, one long flash, then a pause. This helps ship captains know exactly which lighthouse they're seeing.

Since 1974, the area has been a nature reserve. During summer, about 450 pairs of Arctic terns nest here, along with other birds. The small island is home to 140 plant species – that's one-third of all plants found in Iceland!

Why is Grótta Lighthouse worth visiting?

Grótta offers something special – a natural space that feels remote despite being close to the city. The tides cut it off from the mainland, adding to the feeling that you've discovered something unique.

The lighthouse makes a perfect photo subject against Iceland's dramatic sky. On clear days, you can see far across the water to distant peninsulas, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier visible on the horizon.

Bird lovers will enjoy the sanctuary, especially in summer when Arctic terns dive dramatically to protect their nests. In winter, the dark skies make it one of the best spots near Reykjavík to watch for the Northern Lights.

The mix of nature, wildlife, and the historic lighthouse creates a truly Icelandic experience – rugged, beautiful, and a bit mysterious.

Where exactly is the Grótta Lighthouse & how do you get there?

Grótta Lighthouse is at the northwestern edge of Greater Reykjavík at Seltjarnarnes 170. It's only 4.7 km (about 3 miles) from downtown Reykjavík. That's close enough for a quick trip but far enough to escape the city buzz.

Understanding tide access

Here's the crucial part about visiting Grótta: It's on a small island you can only reach during low tide. A narrow path connects the mainland to the island, but this disappears under water when the tide rises.

Always check tide times before you go. You can find current tide information for Reykjavík here.

If you get stuck on the island during high tide, you'll be stranded for hours until the water goes down – not fun, especially in Iceland's unpredictable weather.

Transportation options

You can get to Grótta Lighthouse in several ways:

Walking: From downtown Reykjavík, it's about a 1 hour and 10-minute walk along the Seltjarnarnes Jogging Path. Start from Grandi Harbor and follow the path west along the coast. The walk offers beautiful views of the bay and mountains.

Bus: Bus number 11 leaves you “close” to Grótta (22 minutes walking). You can take it close to Laugavegur Street or close to the National Museum of Iceland, for example.

Driving: Chances are you’ve rented a car (hopefully with us). If you have your own car, it's just a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. There's a small parking lot just an 8-minute walk from the lighthouse.

Rent a car in Iceland

Visit every corner of the island with total flexibility

See prices

No matter how you get there, remember that the final approach to the lighthouse itself is only possible at low tide via the causeway.

What's the best time to visit the Grótta Lighthouse?

Each season at Grótta Lighthouse offers something different:

Winter (September to March)

This is when you can see the Northern Lights. With little light pollution and open views, it's one of the best spots near Reykjavík for aurora hunting. Look for them on clear nights when solar activity is high. Dress warmly – it gets cold and windy.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is when plants bloom and birds are most active. The midnight sun creates perfect lighting for photos too. Just know that from May 1 to July 15, access to the island is limited to protect nesting birds, though you can still walk there at low tide.

Spring/Fall

These times have fewer tourists and still offer good wildlife watching and photography without extreme weather.

Best time of the day to visit

For photos, evening visits often work best, especially around sunset when the lighthouse stands dark against the colorful skies. For Northern Lights in winter, go on clear nights and be ready to wait – auroras are unpredictable.

Whatever time you choose, the tide schedule is what matters most. Low tide is essential for reaching the island, so plan around these times rather than regular visiting hours.

What are the best things to do at Grótta Lighthouse and nearby?

Grótta is amazing, but a visit to Grótta is more than just admiring the lighthouse. There are plenty of things to do in the area.

Birdwatching and nature exploration

Grótta is perfect for bird lovers, especially in the summer. The stars are the 450 pairs of Arctic terns that nest here. These birds are famous for dive-bombing people who get too close to their nests – exciting but a bit scary!

Near the lighthouse, a small lake with reeds attracts ducks and other water birds. I’d recommend you to bring binoculars to see them better.

The flats around the island are worth exploring at low tide. You can check out tide pools and maybe spot birds feeding. Sometimes, seals swim offshore, too.

Photography opportunities

Photographers find endless inspiration at Grótta. The lighthouse makes a striking subject against the sky, especially at sunset when colors reflect on the water. For dramatic shots, visit during storms when waves crash against rocks (if you’re not easily scared).

In winter, the lighthouse is perfect for Northern Lights photos. Bring a tripod and remote control for your camera. A wide-angle lens works best for capturing both the lighthouse and the sky.

At low tide, patterns in the sand and small pools of water add interest to landscape photos.

Northern Lights viewing

Grótta has earned a reputation as one of the best Northern Lights viewing spots near Reykjavík. The lack of city lights to the west makes for dark skies that are perfect for watching the Aurora.

For the best chance to see them, visit between September and March on clear nights. Check the Aurora forecasts before heading out. Dress extremely warmly – watching for Northern Lights can mean standing still in cold weather for hours.

Geothermal experiences nearby

Just a 12-minute walk from the lighthouse, you'll find Kvika Foot Bath, a small hot spring perfect for soaking tired feet. This little gem is especially magical in winter, when you can warm your feet while watching the Northern Lights.

The foot bath is built into coastal rocks and offers views of the bay while you soak. It shows how Icelanders have made good use of their natural hot water.

Other attractions within easy reach

Since Grótta is so close to Reykjavík, you can easily combine your visit with other nearby spots:

• Seltjarnarnes Swimming Pool: This local favorite is heated by natural hot water and has hot tubs of different temperatures.
• Icelandic Medical History Museum: Located in Seltjarnarnes, this unique museum shows how medicine evolved in Iceland.
• Seltjarnarnes Jogging Path: This coastal path is great for walking or biking, with beautiful views of the bay.
• Downtown Reykjavík: Just minutes away, you can explore the Old Harbor, Harpa Concert Hall, and many museums and restaurants in Iceland's capital.

Tips for a perfect visit

• Check tide times: This is super important – know when low tide is before your visit.
• Dress for the weather: Iceland's weather changes quickly. Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even on nice days. In winter, serious cold-weather gear is a must.
• Respect wildlife: Keep your distance from nesting birds, especially during the May-July restriction period.
• Bring the right stuff: Binoculars for birdwatching, a camera for photos, and a thermos of something hot in cold months will make your visit better.
• Give yourself time: Plan for at least 1-2 hours to properly explore, more if you want to photograph sunset or wait for the Northern Lights.
• Leave no trace: As a nature reserve, it's essential to take all trash with you and stay on paths to protect the environment.

Conclusion

Grótta Lighthouse offers the perfect mix of easy access and natural beauty that's hard to find elsewhere near Reykjavík. The tidal island adds a sense of adventure, while the changing seasons mean there's always something new to see.

Whether you're hunting for Northern Lights photos in winter, watching birds in summer, or just looking for a peaceful spot away from the city, Grótta delivers a true Icelandic experience minutes from the capital.

Just remember to time your visit with the tides, dress for changing weather, and allow plenty of time to enjoy this special place. Your effort will be rewarded with memories that last much longer than the tide.