Garður: Lighthouses and Birdlife

On the windswept tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Faxaflói Bay, the small fishing village of Garður stands as one of Iceland's most underappreciated coastal gems. Home to fewer than 1,500 residents, this unassuming settlement offers visitors a quintessential Icelandic experience: dramatic lighthouses silhouetted against endless skies, exceptional birdwatching opportunities, and the raw beauty of a landscape shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and oceanic forces.

A Maritime Heritage

Garður's history is intrinsically linked to the sea. Archaeological evidence suggests human settlement in this area dates back to the 9th century, making it one of Iceland's earliest inhabited coastal locations. The village's strategic position at the mouth of Faxaflói Bay made it a natural harbour for fishing vessels, and by the 14th century, it had become an important trading post for foreign merchants seeking Iceland's prized cod and other marine resources.

The village's name, derived from the Old Norse word for "enclosure" or "garden," reflects its sheltered position between rocky headlands. Despite its modest size, Garður has played a significant role in Iceland's maritime development, serving as a crucial navigation point for vessels entering and leaving Reykjavík's waters.

The Twin Lighthouses

Garður's most iconic landmarks are its two distinctive lighthouses, both perched on the rocky coastline and offering dramatically different architectural styles that span nearly a century of Icelandic maritime history.

Garðskagi Lighthouse (Old Lighthouse)

The older of the two structures, Garðskagi Lighthouse was constructed in 1897 during a period of increased maritime traffic around Iceland's southwestern coast. Standing 28 metres tall, this square concrete tower replaced earlier beacon fires that had guided vessels for centuries. The lighthouse's robust construction reflects the harsh North Atlantic conditions it was built to withstand, with walls nearly one metre thick at the base.

The lighthouse remained Iceland's primary coastal beacon for the Reykjanes Peninsula until 1944, when technological advances and changing shipping patterns necessitated additional navigation aids. Today, visitors can climb the 95 steps to the top for panoramic views across Faxaflói Bay, with clear sight lines to Reykjavík 56 kilometres northeast and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on the horizon.

Garðskagi New Lighthouse

Constructed in 1944, the newer lighthouse presents a striking contrast to its predecessor. This cylindrical white tower rises 35 metres from a distinctive red base, creating one of Iceland's most photographed lighthouse compositions. The modern design incorporated advanced Fresnel lens technology, significantly improving the beacon's range and reliability.

Both lighthouses remain operational, controlled remotely from Reykjavík's maritime authorities. The newer lighthouse's beacon is visible for 38 kilometres in clear conditions, whilst the older structure now serves primarily as a daymark and tourist attraction.

Exceptional Birdwatching

Garður's position at the convergence of different marine ecosystems creates exceptional conditions for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons when the area becomes a crucial stopover point for Arctic and sub-Arctic species.

Breeding Species

From May through August, the coastal cliffs and grasslands around Garður host significant breeding populations of seabirds. Arctic terns establish colonies along the shoreline, their aggressive defence of nesting areas providing spectacular aerial displays. Fulmar numbers peak in June, when approximately 800 breeding pairs occupy cliff ledges within 3 kilometres of the village centre.

The area's maritime grasslands support Iceland's largest breeding population of great skuas, with roughly 120 pairs documented during recent breeding surveys. These powerful seabirds, known locally as "skúmur," are best observed from May through July when their territorial displays and fishing expeditions create excellent viewing opportunities.

Migration Seasons

Spring and autumn migrations transform Garður into one of Iceland's premier birdwatching destinations. September typically offers the most diverse species counts, with regular sightings of rarities blown off course during Atlantic storms. Recent years have produced documented sightings of vagrant species including Sabine's gull, pomarine skua, and various North American waders.

Winter months bring different opportunities, with large flocks of eider ducks congregating in the bay's sheltered waters. Purple sandpipers and turnstones work the rocky shorelines throughout the darker months, whilst Iceland gulls and glaucous gulls frequent the harbour area.

Practical Information

Getting There

Garður lies 75 kilometres from Reykjavík via Route 41, a well-maintained road that takes approximately 50 minutes to drive. Public transport options are limited, with bus service 88 operating twice daily during summer months (fare: 1,480 ISK / €10 / $11 one-way). Most visitors arrive by rental car, allowing exploration of the broader Reykjanes Peninsula.

Best Times to Visit

Summer months (June-August) offer the most comfortable weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for lighthouse climbing and extended birdwatching sessions. Spring migration (April-May) and autumn passage (September-October) provide the most diverse birding opportunities, though weather conditions can be challenging.

Winter visits require appropriate clothing but reward hardy travellers with dramatic storm-watching from the lighthouse vicinity and unique Arctic species sightings.

Facilities and Costs

Lighthouse access costs 800 ISK (€5.50 / $6) for adults, with children under 12 free when accompanied by paying adults. The village offers basic amenities including a small grocery shop and fuel station. Accommodation options are limited to guesthouses and self-catering cottages, with advance booking essential during summer months.

Conservation and Respect

Visitors should maintain respectful distances from nesting birds, particularly during breeding season when human disturbance can cause nest abandonment. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History requests that rare bird sightings be reported through their citizen science programmes, contributing to ongoing research into climate change impacts on North Atlantic seabird populations.

Garður represents Iceland's coastal heritage at its most authentic—where working lighthouses still guide vessels through challenging waters, and ancient migration routes continue to bring remarkable wildlife encounters to those patient enough to watch and wait.

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car. Compare rental options and find the best deals on Discover Cars — free cancellation available.

Planning your Iceland trip? Don't forget travel insurance — SafetyWing offers flexible Nomad Insurance from $56.28/4 weeks, ideal for Iceland's dramatic terrain and ever-changing conditions. Get covered before you go and explore with confidence.

Book Iceland tours and experiences through GetYourGuide — compare hundreds of guided activities including glacier hikes, whale watching, northern lights tours, and Golden Circle day trips. Instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.