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Malarhorn Lighthouse

Vitavegur 10, 520 Drangsnes, Iceland

Name and Location

The Malarhorn Lighthouse is located in the picturesque town of Drangsnes, Iceland.

Construction and History

Built in 1954, this iconic landmark has played a crucial role in guiding mariners through the treacherous waters surrounding Iceland. It stands tall at an impressive height of 28 meters (92 feet).

Architecture and Materials

The Malarhorn Lighthouse is constructed using traditional Icelandic architecture, featuring a robust concrete base with a tapering cylindrical tower. Its striking red color makes it a beacon of hope for sailors navigating the unpredictable North Atlantic.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a powerful light beam every 15 seconds, radiating a distance of approximately 11 nautical miles (20 kilometers). The light characteristic follows a sequence of three flashes (Fl), with each flash lasting 1.5 seconds and separated by a 4-second interval.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse's base via a short walk from the surrounding coastal area. While visitors cannot enter the tower itself, the scenic views of the North Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape make for a memorable experience.

Notable Views and Landscape

  • The Malarhorn Lighthouse stands proudly amidst the rugged Icelandic coastline, where the forces of nature create breathtaking landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic plate movement, and relentless oceanic erosion.
  • The nearby Drangsnes village offers a glimpse into traditional Icelandic culture, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rolling hills.

Technical and Operational Details

The Malarhorn Lighthouse operates on an automated system, eliminating the need for manual assistance or human intervention. This ensures continuous operation and maintenance-free performance, allowing sailors to rely on its guidance without interruption.

Further Information

Details

NameMalarhorn Lighthouse
CityDrangsnes
CountryIceland
Coordinates65.6901848, -21.4363264
Year of construction1954
Eventsshipwrecks, rescues
Storiesanecdotes, myths
Architectural styletraditional Icelandic architecture
Construction materialconcrete
Focal height20
Tower height28
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionvia a short walk from the surrounding coastal area
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionof the North Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Nearby attractionsDrangsnes village waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rolling hills
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Light range11
Automatedtrue