Perched precariously atop a towering rock pillar, this incredible structure has become a symbol of human determination in the face of nature’s wildest forces. Located six miles offshore, it is arguably one of the most isolated lighthouses in the world, surrounded by the relentless waves of the North Atlantic.
The strong surf below the lighthouse. Photograph/ Árni SæbergThe lighthouse, whose name Þrídrangaviti translates to “Three Rock Pillars Lighthouse,” was constructed in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Building it was an extraordinary challenge, as helicopters were not yet available at the time. Workers had to sail to the cliff and scale it, using only the most basic climbing tools. Project director Árni G. Þórarinsson once described the harrowing construction process, saying, “We relied on experienced mountaineers from the Westman Islands. Chains and clamps were secured to create a path up the cliff. At one point, one worker kneeled, another climbed on his back, and a third used their shoulders to finally reach the top.”
Morgunblaðið/Árni SæbergThe lighthouse rests on Stóridrangur, the largest of the rock pillars that make up Þrídrangar. The other three are Þúfudrangur, Klofadrangur, and an unnamed fourth pillar. In 1938, a precarious road was carved into the rock to allow workers to transport materials, and by the following year, the lighthouse was completed. Decades later, a helipad was added, making the site more accessible to visitors and maintenance crews.Captivating the World
The lighthouse has recently garnered global attention thanks to a photograph taken by Icelandic photographer Árni Sæberg. Originally captured in 2009, the image went viral after pop star Justin Bieber shared it on social media. Sæberg, a photographer for Morgunblaðið and Iceland Monitor, only discovered the photo’s widespread fame when his barber pointed it out on a German website.
The national coastguard helicopter flying towards the lighthouse. Photograph/ Árni SæbergBeyond its viral fame, Þrídrangaviti has also inspired art and literature. Best-selling Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir featured the lighthouse in her thriller novel Why Did You Lie?. Sæberg’s photos of other remote Icelandic locations have also influenced Sigurðardóttir’s work, including the ghost story I Remember You, which was adapted into a film.A Testament to Human Ingenuity
The Þrídrangaviti lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid; it is a testament to human resilience and the ability to overcome nature’s challenges. Even today, it remains an iconic symbol of Iceland’s rugged beauty and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths people will go to create light in the darkness.For those intrigued by this remarkable structure, a dedicated Facebook page provides additional insights into its history and ongoing legacy.
The strong surf below the lighthouse. Photograph/ Árni SæbergThe lighthouse, whose name Þrídrangaviti translates to “Three Rock Pillars Lighthouse,” was constructed in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Building it was an extraordinary challenge, as helicopters were not yet available at the time. Workers had to sail to the cliff and scale it, using only the most basic climbing tools. Project director Árni G. Þórarinsson once described the harrowing construction process, saying, “We relied on experienced mountaineers from the Westman Islands. Chains and clamps were secured to create a path up the cliff. At one point, one worker kneeled, another climbed on his back, and a third used their shoulders to finally reach the top.”Morgunblaðið/Árni SæbergThe lighthouse rests on Stóridrangur, the largest of the rock pillars that make up Þrídrangar. The other three are Þúfudrangur, Klofadrangur, and an unnamed fourth pillar. In 1938, a precarious road was carved into the rock to allow workers to transport materials, and by the following year, the lighthouse was completed. Decades later, a helipad was added, making the site more accessible to visitors and maintenance crews.Captivating the WorldThe lighthouse has recently garnered global attention thanks to a photograph taken by Icelandic photographer Árni Sæberg. Originally captured in 2009, the image went viral after pop star Justin Bieber shared it on social media. Sæberg, a photographer for Morgunblaðið and Iceland Monitor, only discovered the photo’s widespread fame when his barber pointed it out on a German website.
The national coastguard helicopter flying towards the lighthouse. Photograph/ Árni SæbergBeyond its viral fame, Þrídrangaviti has also inspired art and literature. Best-selling Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir featured the lighthouse in her thriller novel Why Did You Lie?. Sæberg’s photos of other remote Icelandic locations have also influenced Sigurðardóttir’s work, including the ghost story I Remember You, which was adapted into a film.A Testament to Human IngenuityThe Þrídrangaviti lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid; it is a testament to human resilience and the ability to overcome nature’s challenges. Even today, it remains an iconic symbol of Iceland’s rugged beauty and serves as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths people will go to create light in the darkness.For those intrigued by this remarkable structure, a dedicated Facebook page provides additional insights into its history and ongoing legacy.
