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Siglunes Lighthouse

Siglunes 8, 581, Iceland

Name and Location

The Siglunes Lighthouse is located in the picturesque town of Siglufjörður, Fjallabyggð, Iceland. It stands at an impressive height of 46 meters (151 feet).

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1892 to address the pressing need for a reliable beacon in the area. The construction era was marked by significant maritime activity, with fishing and trade playing crucial roles in Iceland's economy. The original building design is attributed to Icelandic architect Árni Magnússon.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is characterized as a blend of traditional Icelandic and European influences. The structure is made from local materials such as wood and stone, with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern giving it a striking visual presence.

Light and Navigation

The Siglunes Lighthouse emits a white light that flashes every 7.5 seconds, with a range of approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers). This beacon has played a vital role in guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters surrounding Iceland.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, although the interior is not open to the public. The surrounding area offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Siglufjörður.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated near the mouth of Siglufjörður, a picturesque fjord that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area's unique combination of rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and lush greenery makes it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Current Use

While the lighthouse still serves as a functional aid to navigation, it has also been repurposed as a museum and cultural center, offering visitors insights into Iceland's rich maritime history and the lives of its former keepers.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was initially operated manually by a dedicated keeper until its automation in the mid-20th century. Today, the light is fully automated, ensuring continuous operation without human intervention.

Further Information

  • * US NGA Pub. 115 (2010-09-09)
  • Icelandic Maritime Authority
  • Wikipedia: Siglunes Lighthouse

Details

NameSiglunes Lighthouse
CitySiglufjörður
CountryIceland
Coordinates66.1926651, -18.8208361
Year of construction1892
Eventsshipwrecks, rescues
Architectural styletraditional Icelandic and European influences
ArchitectÁrni Magnússon
Construction materialwood, stone
Focal height12
Tower height46
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsrepurposed as a museum and cultural center
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerugged coastlines, waterfalls, and lush greenery
Guided toursfalse
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristicwhite light that flashes every 7.5 seconds
Light range22
Automatedtrue