Hegranesviti

Background

History & Background

Hegranesvitinn, standing 9.6 meters tall, was constructed in 1937 following the design of engineer Benedikt Jónasson. Originally, the lighthouse featured a concrete railing and an arched roof over the entrance, which has since been altered. The lantern house itself is of Swedish origin, a testament to international collaboration in its construction. The lighthouse's appearance has evolved significantly over the decades. It was initially painted white with a red band around its middle. This classic color scheme remained until 1966, when it underwent a transformation and was repainted yellow. Later, it received its current striking orange color, making it a distinctive landmark today. For many years, Hegranesviti operated with a gas light system until it was electrified in 1986. Interestingly, Raufarhafnarviti and Grímseyjarviti lighthouses were built according to the same design as Hegranesviti, making them architectural siblings across Iceland's coastlines.

Hegranesviti offers a truly immersive hiking experience in the heart of North Iceland. The approximately 1.5 to 2-hour trail leads you through diverse landscapes, from lush green fields adorned with bright yellow wildflowers to rocky outcrops overlooking the vast expanse of the region. The journey culminates at the Hegranesviti lighthouse, a vibrant orange structure with a striking red lantern house and white railings, as seen in the accompanying image. Built in 1937 based on designs by engineer Benedikt Jónasson, the lighthouse has a fascinating history of color changes, originally white with a red stripe, then yellow, before adopting its current distinctive orange hue. The Swedish-made lantern house once used gas light until its electrification in 1986. Along the trail, visitors are treated to beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, some still bearing patches of snow even in summer, and the opportunity for birdwatching. Proper hiking footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are highly recommended, as Icelandic weather can change rapidly. This trail is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both natural beauty and a piece of historical Icelandic maritime heritage.