Name and Location

The Raufarhafnarviti Lighthouse is an active minor navigational light located at the harbor headland of Raufarhöfn in Norðurþing municipality, northeastern Iceland. It marks the entrance to the small fishing port and serves as a beacon for local navigation.

Location

The lighthouse stands on the harbor breakwater, accessible from the waterfront with no interior tours offered. To reach it, turn onto the road marked Höfðabraut in Raufarhöfn from Route 1 (Ring Road), followed by a short walk along the quayside to the tower's base.

Construction and History

The construction year of the lighthouse is not available. The type of construction or style is also unknown, although it likely consists of reinforced concrete or steel.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands 33 meters above its base, with a focal height of 33 meters above mean sea level.

Light and Navigation

• All sectors flash in a repeating 20-second cycle with a group of three flashes (Fl(3)) in red, white, or green, depending on bearing. The light sequence is: 1 + (3), 1 + (3), 1 + (11) flashes (group of 3). The ranges and sectors are: Red (165°–233°, range 7 nmi), White (233°–294°, range 9 nmi), and Green (294°–345°, range 6 nmi).

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is accessible freely from the waterfront, with no interior tours offered. Visitors can walk along the quayside to view the tower.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Barents Sea, seabird colonies, and in winter, spectacular northern-lights displays. The Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a modern stone monument and sundial, is located nearby.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse serves as an active beacon for local navigation, with no specific documentation on automation. It is maintained by the Icelandic Maritime Administration (Siglingastofnun Íslands).

Chart references: Icelandic charts, see chart series “L” (e.g., L 4700) covering northeastern Iceland. For notices to mariners, visit the Icelandic Maritime Administration website (www.samgöngustofa.is).