High above the churning waves of the North Atlantic, surrounded by nothing but water and sky, stands one of the most visually striking lighthouses in the world: Þrídrangaviti. Located off the coast of the Westman Islands in Iceland, this lighthouse is not only a navigational aid but a symbol of human endurance, engineering marvel, and sheer willpower. Perched on top of a solitary rock pillar known as Stóridrangur, it appears almost surreal, as if lifted from the pages of a fantasy novel.
In recent years, this remote structure has garnered global attention thanks to a viral photograph taken by Morgunblaðið photographer Árni Sæberg, especially after international superstar Justin Bieber shared the image on his social media. What lies behind this image, however, is a story far richer than a social media post—a tale of determination, danger, and deep Icelandic heritage.
A Location That Defies Imagination
Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse is situated roughly six miles off Iceland’s southern coastline, in the stormy embrace of the North Atlantic. The name “Þrídrangar” means “three rock pillars” in Icelandic, and the lighthouse rests atop one of these pillars, specifically Stóridrangur. Accessible only by air or in ideal conditions by sea, the site embodies the definition of remoteness. Before a helicopter pad was built decades later, even reaching the location was a death-defying feat. Buffeted by relentless winds and surrounded by crashing waves, this spot is as dangerous as it is beautiful.
Building the Impossible: The 1939 Construction
The lighthouse was completed in 1939, just as World War II began. Without helicopters or modern construction equipment, the task was left to a brave group of Icelandic mountaineers. The project director, Árni G. Þórarinsson, recalled that the first challenge was getting a grip on the vertical cliffs of Stóridrangur. The climbers used hammers, chains, clamps, and pure human strength to reach the summit. In a daring feat, one climber knelt, another climbed onto his back, and a third stood on both to reach the edge of the cliff. This human pyramid made the initial contact with the top of the rock—a moment that epitomizes courage and ingenuity.
A Viral Moment Years Later
The now-famous photograph of Þrídrangaviti was taken in 2009 by Árni Sæberg during a helicopter flight with the Icelandic coastguard. A seasoned photographer for Morgunblaðið and Iceland Monitor, Sæberg captured the structure in a moment of perfect light and composition. However, he had no idea his image would circle the globe years later. In fact, it wasn’t until his barber showed him the image on a German website that he realized the viral impact it had. To his surprise, it had even been shared by Justin Bieber—a true testament to the photograph’s captivating nature.
Inspiration Beyond the Lens
This iconic lighthouse has not only inspired social media shares and travel dreams, but also literary creativity. Best-selling Icelandic author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir used Þrídrangaviti as a setting in her thriller Why Did You Lie?. It’s not the first time she has drawn from Sæberg’s haunting images; another of his photos, featuring the abandoned farmhouse in Hesteyri, inspired her ghost story I Remember You, which was later adapted into an Icelandic film.
The Four Pillars of Þrídrangar
Though the name suggests three pillars, Þrídrangar is actually made up of four rock formations: Stóridrangur, Þúfudrangur, Klofadrangur, and an unnamed fourth. The lighthouse stands proudly atop Stóridrangur, the most accessible and largest of the group. The initial construction in 1938 involved carving a crude path to the top of Stóridrangur, which would later serve as the foundation for the lighthouse built the following year. Years later, a helipad was added to facilitate supply runs and maintenance, although the lighthouse itself remains uninhabited.
The Blend of Architecture and Nature
What makes Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse so profoundly unique is its seamless fusion with nature. It doesn’t defy the landscape; it enhances it. Its minimalist, practical structure contrasts beautifully against the rugged grandeur of Iceland’s natural world. To see it in person, even from a helicopter, is to witness the sublime: a human structure in perfect harmony with its environment, exposed yet enduring.
Symbolism and Significance
For Icelanders, the lighthouse represents more than just a navigational tool. It stands as a symbol of human resilience against the harshest conditions, a story passed through generations, and a source of national pride. It also represents the island nation’s relationship with the sea—beautiful, bountiful, but dangerous. In today’s digital age, where images go viral in seconds, it’s rare to find a story that remains grounded in genuine human endeavor. That’s what makes Þrídrangaviti so special.
Photography Credits and Acknowledgments
Full credit for the viral photograph goes to Árni Sæberg, a distinguished photographer for Morgunblaðið and Iceland Monitor. His work has not only captured Iceland’s raw beauty but also inspired authors, artists, and millions of viewers worldwide.
Conclusion: A Testament to the Extraordinary
Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse is more than just a remote tower on a rock; it is a beacon of what can be achieved when determination meets vision. Its construction in 1939 under impossible conditions, its dramatic setting, and its recent viral fame all contribute to its legend. Whether you discover it through a photograph, a novel, or a helicopter tour, Þrídrangaviti remains one of Iceland’s most fascinating and awe-inspiring landmarks.