Atlantica - 01.03.2004, Qupperneq 27

To understand how deeply imbedded fishing is in Icelandic soci-
ety, one only needs to look as far as the country’s recent Idol con-
test. The winner of Icelandic Idol was Kalli Bjarni, a fisherman
from the small village of Grindavík.
For an island nation that derives its economic wealth from the
sea, it makes sense that in just about every cove, at the entrance
to every fjord or cliff-side village, there is a lighthouse perched
above the shoreline. The lighthouse was as important to Iceland
as the subway is to London or New York City.
With the advent of GPS, though, a captain’s eyes no longer need
rely on a stream of light to safely guide his ship into harbour.
Practically speaking, lighthouses have become obsolete.
However, nothing makes a more romantic journey than visiting
these seaside beacons. And one doesn’t need to travel farther
than Seltjarnarnes, the westernmost suburb of Reykjavík, to go
lighthouse hunting.
During the summer, Grótta is a popular spot to watch the sun
dip behind Snæfellsjökull glacier, which can be seen on the dis-
tant horizon. The lighthouse, a popular retreat for rollerbladers,
joggers, and those out for a leisurely stroll, washes in soft orange
hues as the sun dips out of sight for one brief moment.
Staying in the southwest, the lighthouse on the tip of the
Reykjanes peninsula is a spectacular sight, especially in the win-
ter when snow covers the lava-scarred landscape. For years this
lighthouse enabled ships to slip through some of the most treach-
erous waters found at sea. Today, it melds into the snowy scenery.
But to fully leave a footprint in your imagination, head to
Dyrhólaey lighthouse, on the southern tip of the country. The
lighthouse actually resembles a house as it overlooks the myste-
rious island rock formation of what is known as ‘Door Hill Island’.
The rock contains a massive opening big enough for a Cessna to
fly through – hence the name. If lucky enough to witness these
aerial acrobatics, the puffins most people come to spot will be a
let down. EW
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