The lighthouse of Grótta.

Grótta (pronounced [ˈkrouhta]) is a tied island at the extreme end of Seltjarnarnes in the Capital Region of Iceland. During high tide the tombolo is completely submerged, turning Grótta into an island.[1]

The island is accessible by foot during low tide, giving people a window of about six hours to visit the island.[2] Grótta and the region close by is a popular outdoor recreational area.[3]

Grótta became a nature reserve in 1974[1] and it is forbidden to visit it during nesting season, from 1 May to 15 July.[2] There are about 450 couples of arctic terns in Grótta.[1]

A lighthouse was originally built in 1897, a new one was built in 1947.[2] The local search and rescue association is named after long term lighthouse keeper Albert Þorvarðarson (1910–1973).[1]

The main house has been deserted since 1970.[2] The municipality acquired the buildings in 1994 and they are now used as occasional facilities for groups on school trips.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Grótta, Seltjarnarnesi". Environment Agency of Iceland (in Icelandic). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Grótta". Municipality of Seltjarnarnes. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  3. ↑ "Grótta verði lokuð áfram". Morgunblaðið (in Icelandic). Retrieved 28 July 2020.

64°09′52″N 22°01′19″W / 64.1644°N 22.0220°W / 64.1644; -22.0220

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