When is the best time to visit the Lighthouse Trail?

The trail can be enjoyed all year. In summer, the open coastal sky is ideal for the midnight sun, and in winter it is a good place to look for stars and the Northern Lights.

Can you drive the Lighthouse Trail from Keflavík Airport?

Yes. The trail is within easy reach of Keflavík Airport, so you can drive it straight after landing and continue along the South Coast from there.

What can you do on the Lighthouse Trail?

Activities along the route include kayaking, horse riding, birdwatching and hiking. The villages have museums, galleries, swimming pools and restaurants serving local seafood and other local ingredients.

Can you hike or bike the Lighthouse Trail?

Yes. The whole trail can be hiked or biked in two to four days. Hikers can follow trails and beaches along the coast and only need to use the road to cross the bridge over the Ölfusá river. Cyclists will find some sections are best ridden on the road.

How long is the Lighthouse Trail?

The trail is just under 50 km long. By car, it makes an easy full-day trip with time to visit each village, lighthouse, museum and gallery. Many visitors choose to stay longer to enjoy the activities and nature along the coast.

Which lighthouses are on the Lighthouse Trail?

The route takes its name from three lighthouses: Selvogsviti in the west, Hafnarnesviti in Þorlákshöfn and Knarrarósviti in the east, near Stokkseyri. The trail runs between Selvogsviti and Knarrarósviti.

What is the South Coast Lighthouse Trail?

The South Coast Lighthouse Trail is a coastal travel route in South Iceland, just south of the Golden Circle. It connects three seaside villages, Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, and focuses on their history, culture, nature and activities by the sea.

The South Coast Lighthouse Trail

The Lighthouse Trail is a peaceful coastal route where seabirds, ocean waves and wide open skies set the pace. In summer, enjoy the midnight sun. In winter, look for stars and the Northern Lights.

Just south of the Golden Circle and within easy reach of Keflavík Airport, the South Coast Lighthouse Trail connects three seaside villages: Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. The route runs for just under 50 km, from Selvogsviti lighthouse in the west to Knarrarósviti in the east. You can download a map of The South Coast Lighthouse Trail here.

Attractions and activities - The trail takes its name from three lighthouses: Selvogsviti, Hafnarnesviti and Knarrarósviti. By car, it makes an easy full-day trip with time for each village, lighthouse, museum and gallery. With more time, you can go kayaking, horse riding, birdwatching or hiking, or relax in one of the local swimming pools.

The coastline - Much of the route follows a long, open shoreline that you can walk for a large part of the way. Near Þorlákshöfn, dramatic sea cliffs line the coast. Walk along the top, or find a spot to sit and watch the evening sun sink into the ocean, or feel the force of the waves as they break against the rocks.

Driving, cycling or walking - Most visitors drive the trail and stop along the way, but it can also be hiked or biked in two to four days. Hikers can follow the coast almost the entire way and only need the road to cross the Ölfusá bridge, while cyclists will find some sections are best ridden on the road.

Dining - Each village has restaurants serving local ingredients, and you will also find places to eat between the villages, such as Hafið Bláa by the mouth of the Ölfusá river and the restaurant at Black Sand Hotel. Fresh Icelandic seafood is a highlight all along the coast.

Because the trail is so close to the airport, it is a natural first stop in Iceland before continuing along the South Coast. Take your time, there is plenty to discover.