Region
Reykjanes Peninsula
60 km from Reykjavik
Gardur and the Gardskagi Lighthouses
Iceland's lighthouse village: two lighthouses mark one of the country's best birdwatching spots at the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Population
~1,600
Reykjanes Peninsula • Lighthouse village
Quick Answer
Gardur sits at the northern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, 60 km from Reykjavik, with lighthouses from 1897 and 1944 and seabird watching in migration seasons.
Gardur sits at the northernmost point of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where its twin lighthouses guide ships past the meeting of ocean currents. The quiet village draws birdwatchers and photographers who want an open stretch of coast without the crowds.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Gardur's Gardskagi point is one of Iceland's top birdwatching locations, especially during spring and fall migrations.
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Official sources to check
Population
~1,600
Quiet coastal community
Known for
Twin Lighthouses
Gardskagi lighthouses & birdwatching
Top Attractions in Gardur
Gardskagi Lighthouses
Historic 1897 and 1944 twin lighthouses
Gardskagi Birdwatching
Seabird observation point
Gardur Folk Museum
Local history and maritime heritage
Coastal Walking Trails
Paths along the shoreline
Seal Watching
Seals often spotted from shore
Midnight Sun Views
Popular summer sunset location
How to Get to Gardur
From Reykjavik: 55 minutes by car via Route 41, continuing past Keflavik to the peninsula's tip.
From Keflavik Airport: About 20 km (20 minutes), an easy side trip before or after your flight.
Public transport: Strætó bus service connects Gardur with Keflavik and other Reykjanes towns.
Best Time to Visit Gardur
Spring & Fall: Peak birdwatching seasons during migration, with many seabird species passing Gardskagi.
Summer: Long evenings for coastal walks and photography; do not plan around a guaranteed puffin sighting.
Winter: Northern Lights viewing with the lighthouses in the foreground. Quiet season.
The museum and lighthouse have different admission rules
The free Heritage Museum gives the lighthouse stop an indoor option: fishing-village rooms, house models, a collection of boat engines and motors, and an old shop where children can play. The 1944 lighthouse charges separately, so free museum admission does not include the tower.
On September 10, 2026, the municipal museum page lists daily opening from 10:00 to 17:00, May 1–September 30. Visits from October through April need an arrangement with the museum. A winter lighthouse photograph and an indoor museum visit therefore need different planning.
Planning help
Gardur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Gardur?
Gardur has approximately 1,600 residents and is one of the smaller communities on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What is special about Gardur's lighthouses?
Gardur has two lighthouses: the old Gardskagi lighthouse (1897) and the new one (1944). The heritage museum is free; entry to the 1944 lighthouse has a separate charge.
How far is Gardur from Reykjavik?
Gardur is about 60 km from Reykjavik, approximately 55 minutes by car via Route 41.
Is Gardur good for birdwatching?
Yes, Gardur is one of Iceland's best-known birdwatching locations. Gardskagi point draws many seabird species, especially during migration seasons.
Where exactly is Gardur?
Gardur is at the northernmost tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Faxaflói Bay.
What can I do in Gardur?
Visit the lighthouses, go birdwatching, see the folk museum, walk the coastal paths, and watch for seals and occasionally whales from shore.
What services does Gardur have?
Gardur has a grocery store, restaurant, guesthouse accommodation, and the Gardskagi cultural center with museum and café.
How far is Gardur from the airport?
Gardur is about 20 km from Keflavik International Airport, a 20-minute drive.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.