If you have ever wondered where the westernmost point in Europe was located, Látrabjarg is the spot at 65°30’ north and 24°32’ west as the largest bird cliff in Iceland.
The Westernmost Point in Europe: Látrabjarg Bird Cliff in Iceland
Constructed in 1948, the Bjargtangar Lighthouse is the westernmost building in Europe, with the lantern house located on the second floor and facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Built of concrete and painted entirely in white, the Bjargtangar Lighthouse is two stories high; and the focal plane of the light is approximately 60 meters or 200 feet above the sea, as the lighthouse is situated on the high bird cliff.
At 14 kilometers or 8.75 miles in length and up to 441 meters or 1,447 feet in height at a spot called Heiðnukinn, Látrabjarg is the largest bird cliff in Europe.
Hikers should exercise extreme caution, as the edges of the bird cliff are fragile; and the beautiful beaches are quite a long fall below.
Although considered to be one cliff, Látrabjarg is really a series of several cliffs in a row.
The variety of species alone gives Látrabjarg the distinction of being one of the most magnificent cliffside nesting areas for birds in the world — which means that this is an ideal place for bird watching.
With an estimate of greater than five million birds which nest at Látrabjarg during the summer season, the sheer volume of individual birds is staggering and inspires awe.
Among the species of birds which can be found at Látrabjarg include skuas, arctic terns, guillemots, eider ducks, northern gannets, razorbills, white-tailed eagles, red-throated loons, redshanks, snipes, auks, murres, kittiwakes, fulmars, snow buntings, ringed plovers, and Atlantic puffins.
Unfortunately, no puffins were present during my visit to Látrabjarg, as summer had not yet arrived; so none could be photographed by me. This fellow agreed and flew away — perhaps in search of another spot in which to observe puffins.
The angry sea continuously crashes its waves below against the stalwart cliff, which contributes to providing a safe haven for the birds who nest here, as Arctic foxes are unable to hunt them for prey.
Final Boarding Call
Somehow, I thought that the weather was appropriate for my visit. The windy cold air and the dense fog lent to an atmosphere which had me feel like I was at the end of the earth and not simply at the westernmost point in Europe.
No admission is charged to visit the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg at the westernmost point in Europe; and the viewpoint is never closed to anyone who wants to visit it. No facilities are available at the site itself. Parking is available in a small parking lot and free of charge.
Plan to spend almost six hours to drive the approximately 425 kilometers from Reykjavik — although the site is only a drive of 94 minutes for 93.1 kilometers west of Hellulaug spring, which is a thermal pool that can be used free of charge. Ensure that the motor vehicle which you are driving has enough fuel, as service stations are sparse in the Westfjords of Iceland. Bring a jacket, coat, or other garments to keep you warm against what could potentially feel like brutally cold winds.
All photographs ©2018 by Brian Cohen.
