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
Name | Siglunes Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Siglufjörður |
Country | Iceland |
Coordinates | 66.1926651, -18.8208361 |
Year of construction | 1892 |
Events | shipwrecks, rescues |
Architectural style | traditional Icelandic and European influences |
Architect | Árni Magnússon |
Construction material | wood, stone |
Focal height | 12 |
Tower height | 46 |
Heritage status | true |
Renovations | repurposed as a museum and cultural center |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and lush greenery |
Guided tours | false |
Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
AIS Radar | true |
Light characteristic | white light that flashes every 7.5 seconds |
Light range | 22 |
Automated | true |