Digranes Lighthouse

The tower sits on the very edge of a cliff above the Atlantic: white paint, black rock, grass to the landward side. It is 18.4 metres tall and was built between 1943 and 1947. The war held up the equipment, which took four years to install. The light still works and flashes white every 10 seconds.

The walk in is half the visit. The trail passes Steintún, an abandoned farm where the ruined buildings and stone walls are still standing. Waves break at the foot of the cliff and are audible from the path. Seabirds work the rock face, and seals turn up in the water below.

• Closed to visitors: You can walk right up to the tower, but not inside. It is a working light, not a museum.
• No road to the door: Cars stop short. The last kilometre is on foot, on a marked trail from Bakkafjörður.
• Cliff edge: The final section runs beside the drop and involves climbing over rock. Anyone uneasy with heights should stop at Steintún.
• Fog: Sea fog hides the view completely. Check the weather before committing to the drive out.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed.

There is no road to the tower. The drive out from the village of Höfn in Bakkafjörður takes 20 to 30 minutes and does not go all the way. From the parking point the marked trail runs past the ruins of the abandoned farm at Steintún, about 1 km on foot. The last few metres follow a narrow path along the cliff, with rock to climb over before you reach the lighthouse.

Better: A clear day, late enough to stay for sunset.

Avoid: Fog. It sits on the coast here and hides the view.

The walk is done for the view down the cliffs and out over the Atlantic. In cloud you get the tower and nothing else, after a 1 km hike and a long drive.