Audio Guide of Ondverdarnes and Svörtuloft Lighthouses

Both lighthouses are accessible year-round since they are in open natural areas, but the access roads (especially Route 570 toward Svörtuloft) may be closed in winter due to snow. You can reach them by car from Hellissandur: 20 minutes to Ondverdarnes and 40 minutes to Svörtuloft on partially unpaved roads. More info at Iceland Tourism.

There is no cost to visit the lighthouses or their surroundings, as they are public sites. We do recommend carrying cash for possible local expenses, such as voluntary parking at some spots. Check updates at SafeTravel Iceland.

Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for both, including travel from Hellissandur. Each lighthouse deserves around 30 to 45 minutes for exploring, taking photos, and enjoying the cliffs. If you hike in the surrounding area, add 1 extra hour.

Svörtuloft (built in 1931) is the westernmost lighthouse in Iceland, recognizable by its striking orange color. Ondverdarnes (1914) has been inactive since 1989 but remains a historic piece of maritime navigation. More information at Icelandic Maritime Administration.

June to August is ideal because of road conditions and up to 18 hours of daylight. Summer sunsets here are spectacular. In winter, this trip is only recommended for experienced travelers: check alerts at Road Administration.

It is not adapted: access is via uneven dirt and volcanic stone paths, and there are stairs at Svörtuloft. Closed hiking footwear is required because of the rough terrain and frequent strong winds.

In Hellissandur, don’t miss: 1) the Maritime Museum Sjóminjasafnið (admission 1500 ISK), 2) Djúpalónssandur Beach, and 3) Snæfellsjökull Glacier. More details at Maritime Museum.

1. Bring several layers of waterproof clothing, as the weather changes suddenly. 2. Fill up your tank: there are no gas stations within 40 km. 3. Download offline maps: coverage is poor. Check the forecast at Vedur.is before setting out.