Óshólaviti Lighthouse in Bolungarvík — Online Webcam

Óshólaviti Lighthouse: History and Architecture

In the northwest of Iceland, in the harsh region of the Westfjords, stands the Óshólaviti lighthouse — one of those rare landmarks you can see via live webcam right now. Built in 1937 on the hill of Óshólur beneath Mount Óshryna, it serves as a landmark for vessels navigating the North Atlantic. The structure, 6.4 meters tall, is made of concrete — a deliberate choice given the wind loads and salt spray. The structure was designed by engineer Benedikt Jónasson, whose name is known to few outside the region today.

The lighthouse was electrified in 1964, but gas was retained as a backup light source — a typical solution for remote Icelandic stations where power outages were commonplace. Today the lighthouse continues to operate as a navigation landmark, marking the entrance to Bolungarvík bay.

Geography of the Westfjords: Where Bolungarvík Is Located

Bolungarvík is the northernmost town in the Westfjords region, situated on the bay of the same name. It is the second largest town in the region with a population of around 950 people. Isolation is the defining characteristic of this place: you can reach it through tunnels carved into the rock, and until recently the road followed a dangerous mountain serpentine.

The Westfjords region remains the least populated part of Iceland. The landscapes here were shaped by glaciers over millions of years, and today the rocky walls of the fjords rise straight from the ocean. Bolungarvík sits at the intersection of several fjords, which historically made it an important fishing port.

The Óshlíð Road: The Legendary Path to the Lighthouse

The Óshólaviti lighthouse stands at the far end of the Óshlíð road, which is a landmark in its own right. Before the tunnel was built, this route connected Ísafjörður with Bolungarvík and was considered one of the most dangerous roads in Iceland. A mountain serpentine, a narrow lane, rockfalls, and snowdrifts — the road claimed many lives before it was relocated into a tunnel beneath Mount Óshryna.

Today the old Óshlíð road is used as a hiking and cycling trail. It leads past the lighthouse and offers one of the most dramatic views of the Westfjords coastline. For those watching the Óshólaviti lighthouse via webcam, it helps to know that the camera is aimed precisely along this historic route.

Nature and Landscapes: What Surrounds the Lighthouse

From the height of the Óshólur hill, there is a panoramic view of Bolungarvík bay and the peak of Flatafjall. The coastline is rocky, with narrow strips of sandy beach that appear only at low tide. The North Atlantic Ocean washes the shore year-round, and even in summer the water remains cold.

Vegetation is sparse — typical Icelandic tundra with mosses and low grasses. Yet it is this harsh beauty that attracts travelers. Clouds here often hang low, touching the tops of the cliffs, creating an atmosphere familiar from old paintings of the northern seas.

Bolungarvík: Iceland's Oldest Fishing Port

The settlement's history dates back to the era of the first Vikings. According to the Book of Settlement, Bolungarvík was founded around 1,000 years ago by a woman named Þuríður sundafyllir. This makes the town one of the oldest fishing ports in the country.

Fishing remains the backbone of the local economy today. Fishing vessels can be seen in the harbor, and nets and gear line the shore. Despite its isolation, Bolungarvík maintains its status as an important hub for the entire Westfjords region.

Navigational Significance of the Lighthouse

The Óshólaviti lighthouse is not a museum piece but an active navigation landmark. It marks the entrance to Bolungarvík bay and warns vessels of the rocky coast. In the frequent fog and storms characteristic of the North Atlantic, this function is critically important.

The lighthouse's light is visible for several nautical miles, and its characteristic flash pattern allows sailors to identify the specific point on the coast. For a small fishing village like Bolungarvík, the lighthouse is a matter of safety and survival.

What You Can See on the Camera

The live webcam is installed near the Óshólaviti lighthouse and aimed at the coastal landscape. In the foreground is the calm ocean surface, with a narrow strip of sandy beach visible along the shore. To the left rises a rocky cliff washed by the sea. The sky is often covered with layered clouds, the lower tier sitting at the level of the cliff top.

The camera broadcasts a live view of Bolungarvík bay and Flatafjall mountain. The image includes text overlays: the lighthouse name in the upper left corner and a timestamp in the lower left corner. This is a direct broadcast from a real location — you are seeing what is happening on the Westfjords of Iceland right now.