Seltjarnarnes Lighthouse & Path

Overview

The walk out to Grótta lighthouse on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula is one of Reykjavík's most rewarding short hikes, offering sweeping views across Faxaflói Bay to mountaintops on clear days and some of the city's best sunset vistas.

Highlights

• Grótta Lighthouse: A small orange-topped lighthouse accessible across a rocky tidal causeway at low tide.
• Mountain Panorama: On clear days, see Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away, plus Akrafjall and the Esja massif.
• Bird Habitat: The Grótta nature reserve is a protected nesting area—stay on paths during breeding season (May–July).

History

Grótta has been a navigational landmark since Iceland's early maritime history. The current lighthouse was built in 1947. The surrounding nature reserve was established to protect one of the greater Reykjavík area's most important Arctic tern nesting sites.

Visitor Tips

• Tides: Check tide tables before walking to the lighthouse; the causeway floods at high tide.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes for the full walk.
• Sunset: One of the best sunset spots near Reykjavík, especially in late summer.