Скачать или смотреть Hopsneviti Lighthouse: Unveiling Iceland's Shipwreck Secrets!

The spit you’re standing on, Hópsnes to the west and Þórkötlustaðanes to the east, stretches an impressive 2 km long and 1 km wide! Formed a staggering 2,800 years ago when sizzling lava poured into the sea, this natural wonder emerged from the fiery eruption of the Sundhnúkur craters, just north of the charming village of Grindavík. Thanks to this lava flow and the adjacent lagoon (Hópið) created by the sea’s erosion, Grindavík boasts excellent port conditions. Without this spit, the village might never have come to be! In fact, it’s one of six communities on the Reykjanes peninsula that owes its existence to a volcanic fissure that’s still active, with eruptions possible at any moment! Since its inception, Grindavík has thrived as one of Iceland’s key fishing hubs. Navigate the waters with the help of signals from Sundhnúkur guiding you through the harbor gap. As you explore the spit, keep an eye out for shipwrecks from the 20th century, with information signs by some of them. The village and fishing operations flourished in the early 20th century, featuring numerous rowing and later motor boats originating from Þórkötlustaðanes. You can still find remnants of the former settlement, like entrance cairns, fish-storage huts, ice storages, fish-processing houses, and salt huts. In 1939, determined residents dug a channel through the reef, allowing boats access to what is now Grindavík harbor. The iconic Hópsnes lighthouse, built in 1928, stands tall today. Now, this vibrant area is a favorite spot for recreation, with fantastic hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored!