Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði

Location and Accessibility

• Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði is located at Bakkagerði, Iceland.
• The lighthouse is situated on a small island off the coast of Iceland, accessible by boat or ferry from the mainland.

History

• The Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði lighthouse was built in 1895 to serve as a navigational aid for ships traversing the treacherous waters around Iceland.
• The lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime safety and has been upgraded several times over the years to improve its effectiveness.

Architecture

The Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði lighthouse is a traditional Icelandic lighthouse design, featuring a cylindrical tower with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern.

• The tower stands at 74 meters (243 feet) tall and has a focal height of approximately 100 meters (328 feet).

Light Characteristics

• The Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði lighthouse features a unique lighting system, with eight distinct flash patterns used to guide mariners through the surrounding waters.
• The light is visible from a range of 10-7 nautical miles, depending on the specific pattern being displayed.

Current Status

Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction in the late 19th century.

The lighthouse remains an important part of Iceland's maritime heritage and continues to be maintained by the Icelandic Coast Guard.

Heritage Status

The Grímsey á Steingrímsfirði lighthouse is listed as a protected cultural monument in Iceland, recognizing its historical significance and importance to the country's maritime history.