The Lighthouses of Iceland
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With approximately 5,000 kilometers of coastline, Iceland needs a lot of lighthouses. About 104 to be exact. As a land settled by seafaring peoples, lighthouses have been crucial in Icelandic lore to guide sailors home after long expeditions and journeys. Modern technological improvements have since rendered these buildings defunct and most by and large are not needed, but they’re still awesome to look at and discover. You’ll be able to see quite a few of them while road tripping through the country, taking the Icelandic Ring Road (Route 1).
Side note: the word ‘Viti’ means lighthouse in Icelandic. So you’ll usually see the name of the lighthouse, followed by 'viti’.
If you find yourself in Iceland and have time for a (ring) road trip, try to incorporate some stops at a few lighthouses on the way. Have more time in Iceland? Rent a car and take a trip on the ring road. You can use my summary guide here to help you plan your road trip as well (Road Trip Posts - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6).
A Google map of the places that I visited during my most recent Iceland trip (lighthouses included), can be seen at the end of this post. Also, if you’re keen to find out what to see in Reykjavik and how to explore Iceland in the winter time, check out my posts.
How to Get to Iceland
Fly — Book a flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Keflavík is Iceland’s main international gateway, serving flights from Europe, North America, and beyond.
From Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik:
Bus —
Flybus and Airport Express offer regular shuttle services between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavik city center.
Duration: About 45 minutes
Cost: Around 3,000–3,500 ISK (approximately $20–25 USD) one way
Frequency: Aligned with flight arrivals and departures, roughly every 30 minutes
Tickets: Purchase online in advance or at the airport
Taxi —
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal.
Duration: About 45 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: Approximately 15,000–20,000 ISK ($110–150 USD)
Payment: Cash and card accepted
Car Rental —
Several car rental agencies operate at Keflavík Airport, ideal if you want to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik.
Roads from Keflavík to Reykjavik are well maintained and clearly marked.
Domestic Flights —
For traveling within Iceland, such as to Akureyri or Egilsstaðir, domestic flights operate from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV), located in the city center.
Connecting to Reykjavik from Keflavík is usually by bus or taxi.
Bus (Around Reykjavik and Beyond) —
Strætó operates local and regional bus routes throughout Reykjavik and greater Iceland.
Tickets can be bought via the Strætó app or onboard.
Costs vary by route, generally from 490 ISK for city rides.