Grotta Lighthouse
Grotta Lighthouse
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Located at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula on a black sand beach, this is a favorite spot for bird-watching and catching the Northern Lights.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Grotta Lighthouse
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
224 within 5 kms
Attractions
116 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
555 reviews
Excellent
278
Very good
207
Average
58
Poor
8
Terrible
4
Tammy T
4 contributions
Nov 2022
We skipped the expensive Northern Lights excursions and instead rode out to the light house at 10pm. We were able to get great views of the Northern Lights without the cost. Not sure what the Light House looks like during the day!
Written 10 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse S
Highland, NY55 contributions
Nov 2022
This isn't a hidden gem as there were a lot of tourists out trying to catch the Northern Lights. It's on the outskirts of the city so there is less light pollution. We did see the lights the night we went, but honestly had just a good of an experience seeing them from our rental home in the middle of the city the next few nights.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zeryx
Dunfermline, UK209 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited on a cold and windy morning but found the walk around the nature reserve very enjoyable. We didn't see anyone walking across to the lighthouse so weren't aware you were allowed to go over.
Very scenic area!
Very scenic area!
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil R
Boston, MA145 contributions
Mar 2020
Before dinner, our family of 5 (3 teenagers) decided to take a walk out to Grotta Lighthouse. We parked in the small lot where the road ends and headed down the path out towards the peninsula. The highlight wasn't the lighthouse itself, but the walk to and from in gale force winds surrounded by an angry ocean. We bundled up and laughed as we were blown around, trying to hold our balance or lean into the wind as it held us up. Totally worth the stop, and one of our favorite experiences in the city.
Written 9 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaye N
Provo, UT2,151 contributions
Jul 2022
We tried to visit the lighthouse but the roads into it were closed. We took some pictures and watched birds in the area but the best part was a little hot pool to soak your feet. A passerby told us about it so we went and used the little hot pot. It was cold outside (in July) but the water felt great on our tired feet. I'd love more time to explore that area.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara M
Springfield, MO3,236 contributions
Oct 2021
I love lighthouses, being in a landlocked state (missouri), and this is a beautiful one. We drove the road from town as far as possible, then walked a short distance. Unable to walk to the lighthouse because of tides, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
Written 18 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mdc979
Boston, MA69 contributions
Mar 2023
We went here around 10:30 pm to look for the Northern Lights. We didn't go up to the lighthouse. We had been hunting for about two hours, on our way home from Selfoss and we finally saw a weak view of the Northern Lights through our iPhone camera. It was disappointing, but I'm glad we were able to see it at all since the conditions weren't great while we were there.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bohemian_me84
Calgary, Canada2,033 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The day we walked there it was freezing snow storm , cold and wet ! But for sure worth it ! It felt like I made it to the very end of Iceland ! Light house is pretty , to bad that it was closed and we couldn’t get inside but I understand that’s safety . This spot is perfect for pictures and just to sit and drink coffee .... just don’t forget to bring your own in a travel mug ! I fell in love with this place .
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrijana
Luleå, Sweden3 contributions
Aug 2021
The entire location is beautiful! You can get to the lighthouse over the isthmus during low tides. You can also walk along the surrounding paths and enjoy the black sand beaches.
Before you go to the lighthouse, check the internet to see if the location is closed.
Before you go to the lighthouse, check the internet to see if the location is closed.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorgadelic
Brisbane, Australia14 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
On a clear night, this is the best location to look for the Northern Lights in Winter! A decent 20 minute walk from downtown Reykjavik (might be a bit unpleasant in Winter), but an easy 5 minute drive in a rental car. There's absolutely no cover here, so it can be extremely windy if you're walking. But definitely great, clear views of the sky, not too far from the city.
Written 8 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How is the parking situation at the lighthouse? Is there a public parking area? Or do we need to park a distance away and walk?
Written 2 March 2023
is it difficult to walk on the rocks towards the lighthouse during low tides? i see they are huge uneven rocks with slight sand in the edge but not sure it's enough wide for walking in the sand
Written 20 November 2019
How do we get from Reykjavik to Grotta if we don't have a car? Would a taxi wait for us, or is there a bus service?
Written 15 November 2019
We did have a car and it was a quick drive, so I would imagine 30-60 minute walk. I do believe there was a bus stop just before the car park/turning circle.
Written 17 November 2019
does a full moon reduce the view of the lights or is new moon better
Written 26 July 2019
I am not sure whether the moon affects the lights, you just need clear skies, if you can see the stars you are likely to see the lights and it is a nice spot to look out over the sea, it does get very cold though, most people sit in their cars to wait for any activity, others take a blanket to wrap around them
Written 24 August 2019
We really like this location and wish to stay at a B&B that is close by. Which one is the closest one to the lighthouse?
Written 19 February 2019
Hey Gwen,
the closest one i know is the Blue House B&B.
bluehouse.is
I stayed there 1 month ago and we walked 5 min from there to the lighthouse. I booked it because i wanted to be close to auroras :)
Written 19 February 2019
Q cobra un taxi desde Reykjavík ida y vuelta al lighthouse?
Written 27 November 2018
I have heard that you can only reach the lighthouse during low tide but where can I find the timing of low/ high tide of the day? If I go during daytime will I be pretty much safe or will I possible be stuck at the lighthouse if I don’t leave on time? Thanks
Written 2 September 2018
you do not need to worry about being stuck. there is a beautiful view from the parking area, just next to the lighthouse. I don't know where can you see the tide times, but we went there morning and evening and it was safe to walk over to the lighthouse. beautiful place.
Written 23 September 2018
Can you walk from Reykjavík harbour or is it too far?
Written 10 December 2017
you can walk but it takes roughly an hour. there is also a bus you can catch - for example for the way back. make sure to chevk the weather because the walkway is very exposed to wind and rain.
Written 12 December 2017
At what time we should arrive there for good photo in April?
Written 12 September 2017
Sunset is between 8 and 9 pm and you will have the sun behind the lighthouse on the sea (perfect photo opportunity). Sunrise is between 5 and 6 am.
Written 13 September 2017
I will be there in March next year. Can I watch the birds at that time? And where I can check the timing of tide?
Written 4 September 2017
Lots of birds returning in mid to late March. There was a tide chart posted on the estuary when I was there.
Written 5 September 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 12
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing