Located within Snæfellsjökull National Park in the westernmost tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a place of contrast: a bright orange lighthouse against black lava cliffs. The road becomes mighty bumpy as you traverse the lava field towards the end of the trip to Svörtuloft, but if you drive slowly any car can make it there. Svörtuloft translates to the black ceiling, for the lava which only stopped once it met its end at the bitter sea. Here you can see this jagged landscape, with the pounding waves eroding the rock of these cliffs that stretch for over two miles.
Amongst them are some of the most alluring formations, most spectacular of all a broad sea arch, a testament to the treacherous prevailing waters.
Another notable development is Hvalrauf, a large column where many birds breed in the summertime.
Along the sheer cliffs through the 20th century nearby farmers would gather to collect eggs from these colonies of seabirds by lowering themselves down by rope. With the violent waves it’s hard to imagine a calmer day when this would be possible. There have been many tragic events along this coastline, perhaps the reason for the construction of a lighthouse. Svörtuloft Lighthouse has two names because it can be seen both by the land and sea, you may notice it referred to as Skálasnagi.
The bright cheerful orange structure was built of concrete in 1931, it stands over 40’ high and uses solar energy, replacing one that crumbled due to erosion.
A short boardwalk leads you up to the building, further hiking can continue along the edge of the cliff. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in this rugged area, especially the rock ptarmigan which would be incredible to see. It is the only wild gamebird in Iceland and remains very well camouflaged. Orcas, arctic foxes, and shorebirds such as puffins reside in the area.
You can learn a great deal about the seabirds of the area on the informational panels.