Svortuloft Lighthouse marks the western end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. The last stretch of road to it is gravel, running past Skarðsvík beach to a parking area beside the tower. The site is open coast: seabirds, long views along the shoreline and nothing to break the wind. Walking routes lead out from the lighthouse. It works as a stop on a Snæfellsnes loop, and the coastal views are stronger on the drive back out than on the way in.
Svortuloft Lighthouse
Local name: Skálasnagaviti
The best coastal views come on the drive back out — heading in they sit behind you, and most people never notice them.
- Entrance
- Free, no ticket.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Parking
- Free parking at the lighthouse, but very limited; more parking is being added along the approach road, within walking distance.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Snæfellsnes, 342
What makes it special
Svortuloft Lighthouse is not the tapering white column the word suggests. It is a squat, angular orange tower on black lava ground at the western end of Snæfellsnes. Nothing stands between it and the Atlantic, and nothing breaks the wind.
The cliffs below hold seabirds, and the site is a good place to watch them. Walking routes lead out from the tower along the coast, so the stop is worth more than the time it takes to photograph the building. Early on a weekday the whole place can be deserted.
Good to know
- Wind: the site is exposed on every side, and the wind is cold and strong in summer too. Bring a windproof jacket and warm layers.
- The walks: routes lead out from the lighthouse, and strong wind is enough to rule them out. Allow time beyond the drive.
- Roadworks: the gravel is being levelled, and more parking is going in along the approach road.
- Food: there is a picnic table at the lighthouse, so lunch is worth packing for the drive.
Getting there
There is one way in: a drive out along Snæfellsnes to its western tip. Past Skarðsvík beach the tarmac ends, and the last stretch to the lighthouse is gravel. The surface is in decent shape, and an ordinary 2WD car handles it — a large 2WD camper van makes the run — as long as the speed stays low. Parking is at the lighthouse itself, so there is no walk in, but the area is very limited and it fills. More parking is being added along the approach road, within walking distance of the tower.
Best time to visit
Better: early morning on a weekday. The parking area can still be empty at 9am, and arrival time decides whether there is a space at all.
Avoid: hard wind, and the late afternoon if you mean to do the walks.
Wind matters more here than light. It comes straight off the Atlantic with nothing in the way, and it is what cuts visits short.
Sun & daylight
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Svortuloft Lighthouse on the map
The last stretch of road is single lane for much of its length, with blind hills and sudden sharp bends. Meeting an oncoming car over a crest is the real hazard here. Keep the speed down and be ready to pull in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get there in an ordinary 2WD car?
Yes. Around half the route is paved and the rest gravel, single lane in places. The surface is in decent shape and a large 2WD camper van makes the drive. Keep the speed low for the blind hills and sharp bends.Is there anything to do apart from look at the lighthouse?
Walking routes lead out from the tower along the coast, and the site is a birdwatching spot. In strong wind the walks are not worth attempting.How busy does it get?
The parking area at the lighthouse is very limited, so it feels crowded quickly. Early on a weekday the site can be deserted. More parking is going in along the approach road.