Tridrangar (which translates as three stone pillars) is one of the most remote lighthouses in the world. It is built on one of three steep cliffs, at a height of about 40 meters.
Given the swirling winds and crashing waves typical of this area, climbing the cliff after swimming to it is neither easy nor safe. Therefore, a service helicopter is now used for this purpose. The helipad is located at the top of the jagged cliff.
Staying here for even a couple of hours is extremely difficult. One misstep or a strong gust of wind and you'll fall into the icy waves and crash onto the rocks.
The lighthouse was built in 1939, approximately six miles from mainland Iceland, in the North Atlantic Sea, on the edge of the ocean. It's known that helicopters weren't used during its construction, and one can only marvel at how the builders managed this.
Before the helipad was built on the cliff, builders and coast guards had to reach it by sea.
In 1938, brave workers had to climb a cliff to begin construction. Project director Árni G. Horarinsson recounted the experience to a local newspaper many years ago.
"The first thing we had to do was build a path up to the cliff," he recalled. "We gathered together experienced climbers, all of them from the Westman Islands. Then we brought drills, hammers, chains, and clamps to attach the chains. Once the workers reached the top, it became clear there was no way to get a grip on the rock. Then one of the workers knelt down, and the second stood on his back, allowing the third to climb to the top and reach the ledge. I can't even tell you how I felt watching this incredibly dangerous procedure."
The climbers laid the foundations for the lighthouse by hand.
Previously, the lighthouse was staffed by people, but now it's automated. And if repairs are needed, a helicopter delivers a team of technicians to the site in the evening and picks them up the next morning.
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