Summer is the best time to travel to Iceland; in fact, during this season of the year, the days get longer and the weather is milder. Year after year, the wild lands of this beautiful northern island are being transformed into prime tourist destinations, destinations for unconventional travelers escaping the heat and mass tourism in search of Nordic myths. In this article we will discuss Thridarangar Park, one of the most mysterious places in the world.
A visit to Thridarangar Lighthouse is a journey into the heart of wild Iceland, where nature and human ingenuity meet in a passionate dance. This extraordinary structure, which has been defying waves and wind for more than eighty years, continues to be a beacon of inspiration, not only for sailors, but for anyone seeking to push their limits and embrace adventure.
The Sentinel of Iceland
Lighthouses, these immovable guardians of the sea, very important constructions for navigation especially in the last century when there was no Google Map (but still necessary today) have always tickled the fancy of travelers who make arrangements to visit them by reaching even the most remote ones.
As for Thridarangar Lighthouse to say that it is a place at the end of the world is not a figure of speech, but is the pure truth. Located off the southwest coast of Iceland, it stands like a lone sentinel among the rushing waves of the Atlantic. Built on one of the most remote and hard-to-reach spots in the country, this lighthouse is not only a symbol of guidance for mariners, but also represents an extraordinary feat of engineering and human endurance.
Visiting it is not at all easy, to reach it you need to hire a helicopter and study well the period in which to do so. Iceland’s strong winds do not make this easy, so it is best to go in full summer.
History and Construction
Thridarangar Lighthouse was built in 1939, at a time when technology and resources were far from modern capabilities. The idea of erecting a lighthouse on these remote and dangerous rocks seemed almost impossible. However, the need to ensure the safety of navigation along the Icelandic coast prompted the authorities to undertake this titanic challenge.
The construction of the lighthouse was one of the most daring engineering feats of its era. The rocks on which it stands, known as Thridrangar (meaning “Three Rocks”), are accessible only in optimal weather conditions and often subject to huge waves. To complete the construction, workers had to face extreme conditions, climbing sheer cliffs and carrying the necessary materials by hand. The helicopter, which could facilitate transportation today, was not available at the time, making the task even more arduous.
How to get to Thridarangar Lighthouse
Today, the most common way to visit Thridarangar Lighthouse is via helicopter. Several Icelandic tour companies offer sightseeing flights departing from the capital, Reykjavik, or from the nearby town of Vestmannaeyjar. The flight itself is a thrilling experience, suspended in the air between Iceland’s rugged coastline and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Landing space is limited and the platform on which the helicopter rests is exposed to the elements. When you set foot on Thridarangar, you feel as if you have reached the end of the world. The feeling of isolation is palpable, with the wind blowing hard and the ocean roaring below us.
The lighthouse itself is a fascinating structure, with its white tower silhouetted against the sky and the sea. Although the lighthouse is no longer manned as it once was, it is still in automated operation, continuing its role as a guide for ships. Visitors can climb the tower, from where there are incredible views of the surrounding waters and cliffs emerging from the ocean.
Useful tips for traveling to Thridarangar
This lighthouse is more than just a guide for sailors: it is a symbol of human endurance in the face of adversity and of man’s ability to master nature. Its construction represents the determination and ingenuity of Icelanders, while its isolated, wave-beaten location shows the impetuous force of the ocean.
Useful visiting information:
- Getting there: Visiting Thridarangar Lighthouse is possible only by helicopter flights arranged by Icelandic tour companies.
- Best time to visit: The summer season offers the most stable weather conditions for visiting Thridrangar.
- What to bring: Warm and windproof clothes, camera to capture the incredible views, and a spirit of adventure!
This excursion offers a unique experience in the heart of Icelandic nature, where beauty and challenge come together in an unforgettable adventure. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path, off-the-beaten-path experience, Thridrangar Lighthouse awaits you with its rugged beauty and indomitable spirit.
