Grotta Lighthouse, Reykjavik: Address, Grotta Lighthouse Reviews: 4.5/5
Grotta Lighthouse
Grotta Lighthouse
4.5
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Arna
23
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • European
Bjornsbakari Vesturbae
2
1.1 mi$ • Cafe
Red Lion
12
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza
Lamb Street Food
411
2 mi$ • Healthy • Gastropub • Street Food
MATUR OG DRYKKUR
1,061
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • European • Scandinavian
XO
83
1.8 mi$ • Pizza • Fast Food • European
The Coocoo's Nest
299
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Valdis
628
2.1 mi$ • Dessert • Gluten Free Options
Flatey Pizza
236
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Bryggjan Steakhouse
1,240
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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102 within 6 miles
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22,391
3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Ring Road
194
2.9 miScenic Drives
Aurora Reykjavik
1,779
2 miSpeciality Museums
Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
8,756
2.6 miArchitectural Buildings • Theaters
Tourist Information, downtown Reykjavik
290
2.6 miVisitor Centers
Eimverk Distillery
158
Distilleries • Breweries
The Settlement Exhibition
3,043
2.4 miSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites
National Museum of Iceland
3,859
2.4 miArt Museums • History Museums
The Icelandic Punk Museum
300
2.6 miSpeciality Museums
What's On
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2.7 miVisitor Centers
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
538 reviews
Excellent
268
Very good
202
Average
56
Poor
8
Terrible
4
Malgorzata
11,183 contributions
Jun 2019
Lovely stroll along the coastline and really nice place to watch the ocean and have a walk. One of the most beautiful places near Reykjavik. The view of the mountains along the sea is absolutely stunning. Plenty of seabirds . Just take care about the high tide.
Awesome place for observing the northern lights, near Reykjavik. In winter it is very cold here, the cold wind is blowing. Nice place to spend some time and just enjoy in sea, air ans energy. Every season. You should come here at least once to see it.
Awesome place for observing the northern lights, near Reykjavik. In winter it is very cold here, the cold wind is blowing. Nice place to spend some time and just enjoy in sea, air ans energy. Every season. You should come here at least once to see it.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WendyFromIllinois
Pekin, IL212 contributions
Dec 2019
We heard about this location as a possible place to see the Northern lights. When we noticed on several phone apps that it seems very likely we would see the Northern lights one evening, we drove to the Grotta Lighthouse and noticed several other people had the same idea. We sat along the road for about 30 minutes until some cars started to become impatient and drove away. We finally found a parking spot after about 30 minutes and sat for another 10 minutes before we saw people getting excited. We jumped out of the car to set up the tripod and camera and saw the beautiful light show! I'm grateful we did not have to go far, as this is about 5 minute drive from Reyjkavik.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barbara M
Springfield, MO3,327 contributions
Oct 2021
I love lighthouses, being in a landlocked state (missouri), and this is a beautiful one. We drove the road from town as far as possible, then walked a short distance. Unable to walk to the lighthouse because of tides, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zeryx
Dunfermline, UK190 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited on a cold and windy morning but found the walk around the nature reserve very enjoyable. We didn't see anyone walking across to the lighthouse so weren't aware you were allowed to go over.
Very scenic area!
Very scenic area!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Phil R
Boston, MA134 contributions
Mar 2020
Before dinner, our family of 5 (3 teenagers) decided to take a walk out to Grotta Lighthouse. We parked in the small lot where the road ends and headed down the path out towards the peninsula. The highlight wasn't the lighthouse itself, but the walk to and from in gale force winds surrounded by an angry ocean. We bundled up and laughed as we were blown around, trying to hold our balance or lean into the wind as it held us up. Totally worth the stop, and one of our favorite experiences in the city.
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joanna
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK181 contributions
Jan 2020
The best place to see Northern Lights near Reykjavik.
We were in Iceland for 3 nights and each night we ended up here admiring the displays in the sky - we were so lucky with the clear skies. (we even drove up into the mountains one night to get complete darkness to try and see the lights but no avail... 45 mins later we were at the lighthouse and the sky was lit up with green dancing displays).
Only took 5-10 minutes to drive from Reykjavík centre to here with plenty of parking.
Wrap up warm as it does get freezing!!
Lights seemed to occur around 11pm each night.
On our last day we went back here during the daylight and tide was out so we could walk across to the lighthouse. Nice scenery worth a look.
We were in Iceland for 3 nights and each night we ended up here admiring the displays in the sky - we were so lucky with the clear skies. (we even drove up into the mountains one night to get complete darkness to try and see the lights but no avail... 45 mins later we were at the lighthouse and the sky was lit up with green dancing displays).
Only took 5-10 minutes to drive from Reykjavík centre to here with plenty of parking.
Wrap up warm as it does get freezing!!
Lights seemed to occur around 11pm each night.
On our last day we went back here during the daylight and tide was out so we could walk across to the lighthouse. Nice scenery worth a look.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bohemian_me84
Calgary, Canada1,557 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The day we walked there it was freezing snow storm , cold and wet ! But for sure worth it ! It felt like I made it to the very end of Iceland ! Light house is pretty , to bad that it was closed and we couldn’t get inside but I understand that’s safety . This spot is perfect for pictures and just to sit and drink coffee .... just don’t forget to bring your own in a travel mug ! I fell in love with this place .
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrijana
Luleå, Sweden3 contributions
Aug 2021
The entire location is beautiful! You can get to the lighthouse over the isthmus during low tides. You can also walk along the surrounding paths and enjoy the black sand beaches.
Before you go to the lighthouse, check the internet to see if the location is closed.
Before you go to the lighthouse, check the internet to see if the location is closed.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jorgadelic
Brisbane, Australia14 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
On a clear night, this is the best location to look for the Northern Lights in Winter! A decent 20 minute walk from downtown Reykjavik (might be a bit unpleasant in Winter), but an easy 5 minute drive in a rental car. There's absolutely no cover here, so it can be extremely windy if you're walking. But definitely great, clear views of the sky, not too far from the city.
Written January 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bnettmd
Washington DC, DC77 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
The lighthouse is awesome, but you need to find the secret foot bath. It's on the road on the way to the parking area (which means if you've gotten to the parking area you've passed it) behind a white energy building and next to a small wooden shed next to the beach. You can find it and you'll be so glad you did!
Written May 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JenY
Ontario, Canada123 contributions
is it difficult to walk on the rocks towards the lighthouse during low tides? i see they are huge uneven rocks with slight sand in the edge but not sure it's enough wide for walking in the sand
kidsandcases
Gerrards Cross, UK38 contributions
How do we get from Reykjavik to Grotta if we don't have a car? Would a taxi wait for us, or is there a bus service?
Dearmans
Hastings, UK1,054 contributions
We did have a car and it was a quick drive, so I would imagine 30-60 minute walk. I do believe there was a bus stop just before the car park/turning circle.
Jean J
Stockton-on-Tees, UK4 contributions
does a full moon reduce the view of the lights or is new moon better
Jo 74
Staffordshire, UK15 contributions
I am not sure whether the moon affects the lights, you just need clear skies, if you can see the stars you are likely to see the lights and it is a nice spot to look out over the sea, it does get very cold though, most people sit in their cars to wait for any activity, others take a blanket to wrap around them
GwenWalker
6 contributions
We really like this location and wish to stay at a B&B that is close by. Which one is the closest one to the lighthouse?
Icevoyager
3 contributions
Hey Gwen,
the closest one i know is the Blue House B&B.
bluehouse.is
I stayed there 1 month ago and we walked 5 min from there to the lighthouse. I booked it because i wanted to be close to auroras :)
Gina & Carlos E
Panama City, Panama5 contributions
Q cobra un taxi desde Reykjavík ida y vuelta al lighthouse?
Connie C
Dallas, TX63 contributions
I have heard that you can only reach the lighthouse during low tide but where can I find the timing of low/ high tide of the day? If I go during daytime will I be pretty much safe or will I possible be stuck at the lighthouse if I don’t leave on time? Thanks
TerraExplorator
Budapest, Hungary515 contributions
you do not need to worry about being stuck. there is a beautiful view from the parking area, just next to the lighthouse. I don't know where can you see the tide times, but we went there morning and evening and it was safe to walk over to the lighthouse. beautiful place.
EmmaTinchyStoner
Denton, UK116 contributions
Can you walk from Reykjavík harbour or is it too far?
Louise M
Zurich, Switzerland270 contributions
you can walk but it takes roughly an hour. there is also a bus you can catch - for example for the way back. make sure to chevk the weather because the walkway is very exposed to wind and rain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grotta Lighthouse
- We recommend booking Grotta Lighthouse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Grotta Lighthouse tours on Tripadvisor
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