Garður Old Lighthouse
Suðurnes
Garðskagaviti refers to two lighthouses located on the Garðskagi peninsula in Suðurnes, Iceland. The older lighthouse, built in 1897, is one of the country's oldest concrete buildings and was constructed to aid navigation along the often treacherous coast. It features a square, cast-iron structure with a stone oil lamp and a catadioptric rotating lens. Due to coastal erosion and storm damage, a protective wall and platform were added, though the foundation remained vulnerable. In 1944, a newer cylindrical lighthouse was built 215 meters southeast of the original to better withstand sea conditions and improve visibility. Designed by Axel Sveinsson, it stands 28.6 meters tall and was initially equipped with lighting apparatus from the older lighthouse, later upgraded to electric light and a quadruple rotating lens. The newer lighthouse also had radio beacon capabilities. Since 1995, the newer lighthouse houses the Byggðasafnið maritime museum, exhibiting over 60 restored vessels and permanent displays on agriculture, fishing, and maritime navigation, including a historic nine-meter six-oared boat from 1887. The site offers a unique glimpse into Iceland's coastal heritage and lighthouse technology evolution.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Garðskagaviti is during Iceland's summer months when weather conditions are milder and daylight is extended. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets for the Byggðasafnið museum in advance during peak tourist season to avoid queues. The site offers discounts for seniors and groups. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the historical and technical aspects of the lighthouses and maritime exhibits.
Fatti interessanti
- •The older Garðskagaviti lighthouse, built in 1897, is the second oldest concrete building in Iceland.
- •The newer lighthouse was constructed in just three months in 1944.
- •The maritime museum houses over 60 restored vessels, many still operational.
- •The historic nine-meter six-oared boat on display was built in 1887 and belonged to the oldest operating fishing company in Iceland.
- •The older lighthouse and its surrounding structures were legally protected as a heritage site in December 2023.
Storia
Plans to build a lighthouse on Garðskagi began in 1878, with initial funding challenges involving the Danish crown.
The first lighthouse was completed in 1897 as a cast-iron concrete structure with a stone oil lamp.
Coastal erosion threatened the structure, prompting protective measures like a seawall and bridge.
In 1944, a second lighthouse was built farther inland to avoid sea damage, featuring modernized lighting technology and radio beacon capabilities.
The older lighthouse and its surroundings were officially protected as a heritage site in December 2023.
The maritime museum was established in 1995 in the newer lighthouse's annex, preserving local maritime history.
Guida del luogo
Older Garðskagaviti Lighthouse1897
Built in 1897, this square, cast-iron concrete lighthouse features a stone oil lamp and a catadioptric rotating lens. It is notable for being one of Iceland's oldest concrete structures and illustrates early lighthouse technology. Visitors can observe the foundation and protective seawall built to combat coastal erosion.
Newer Garðskagaviti Lighthouse1944
Constructed in 1944 and designed by Axel Sveinsson, this cylindrical lighthouse stands 28.6 meters tall. It was built further inland to avoid sea erosion and initially used lighting apparatus from the older lighthouse before upgrading to electric light and a quadruple rotating lens. It also featured radio beacon technology and had an associated lighthouse keeper's residence that is now part of the museum.
Byggðasafnið Maritime Museum1995
Opened in 1995 in the annex of the newer lighthouse, the museum displays over 60 restored vessels, permanent exhibitions on local agriculture and fishing, and maritime navigation. Highlight exhibits include a nine-meter six-oared boat from 1887 belonging to Iceland's oldest fishing company.
