Stick Around for Joy

Icelandic Lighthouses
Heading north west from Reykjavik toward Keflavik Airport, our first day searching out the lighthouses of Iceland didn't start too well. We found it near impossible to get close to the first lighthouse at Geroistangaviti, located near Vogar. The road and the surrounding land appeared private and was pretty inaccessible.
Thankfully, the next light at Holmsberg more than made up.
The small but perfectly formed, bright orange lighthouse is located on a small peninsula aceesed through an industrial area. It's a spectacular location with incredible views of the sea and mountains and I imagine it's an excellent vantage point for whale spotting. We spotted none.

Holmsberg Lighthouse, Iceland

Holmsberg Lighthouse, Iceland

Continuing our journey there were two belters at Garðskagi (Cape Garð) at the northwestern tip of the Reykjanes peninsula.
The original old light is now a bird observation tower and it's mantle has been picked up by the impressive new light a few hundred yards away.

Garoskagi Lighthouse. 

Garoskagi Lighthouse, Old Tower now a bird observation platform

Garoskagi Lighthouse.

A short 10 minute drive along the coast you'll find Sandgerði, which is one of the Iceland’s major fishing communities. The lighthouse has a charm of it's own despite the industrial overtones.
The bright yellow tower and wall art warmed the cockles on a bleak winter's day.

Sandgerði Lighthouse

We continued along the western coast to take a look at the famous bridge that traverses the two continents of Europe and North America. The small footbridge at Sandvík crosses a major fissure between the two plates and was built as a symbol for the connection (or divide!) between Europe and North America. I won't post a photo of the bridge, I'll leave the excitement of seeing that for yourself when you cross the two continents.

Another popular stop-off on the lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula are the mud pools of Gunnuhver. They they are an incredible geological experience. The thermally active area pumps plumes of steam around the wonderful Reykanes lighthouse perched on a nearby hill. The hill is an inactive volcanic cone apparently. But be warned, the lighthouse is protected by flock of angry birds who are quite keen to deter visitors with a bombardment of guano.

Reykanes Lighthouse, Gunnuhver

From some background reading "The area close to Reykjanes lighthouse is collectively named Gunnuhver after a female ghost that was laid there. She had caused great disturbance until a priest set a trap for her and she fell into the spring. This happened about 400 years ago."
Another reason why I love Iceland.

Heading back to the capital, the island of Grótta can be found at the end of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, a ten minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. The lighthouse marks the entrance to the city's harbour. It is is possible to walk to the island at low tide, but be aware the island is closed for sections of the year to protect nesting birds.

Grótta Lighthouse