There are a total of 212 lighthouses that dot the approximate 62,706 miles of Norway’s majestic coastline. The first and oldest of those lighthouses was erected in 1656 at Lindesnes, which sits at the southern tip of Norway, in Agder county. It marks the entrance to the Skagerrak Strait and Baltic Sea from the North Sea and lies approximately 1,500 miles from Norway (and the world’s) northernmost mainland lighthouse, Slettnes Fyr.
The original lighthouse was replaced numerous times over the years, until 1915, when the current version of the lighthouse was built. Made from cast iron, the Lindesnes Fyr (lighthouse) stands 50.1 meters (164 ft) tall with a red lantern and white tower base atop a granite foundation. It uses a Fresnal lens, which is more compact than other types, to project light that can been seen up to 17.7 nautical miles away. The lens was made in Paris and first used in the 1854 lighthouse. The lighthouse was also equipped with a foghorn that was later replaced with a diaphone after the lighthouse was fitted with electricity. Perhaps most noticeable are the impressive views that can been seen from atop the structure over the rugged coast.
Due to its strategic location, the Germans utilized this site when they occupied Norway during World War II. They built additional fortifications including tunnels and trenches that can be explored today when visiting. While there were no large-scale war incidents that occurred at the site, there is a monument acknowledging when a ship, the Palatia, was sunk off the coast of Lindesnes on October 21, 1942. The ship was mostly carrying prisoners of war and the 986 people aboard lost their lives.
Today, while the lighthouse is still fully functional and operated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, it also serves as a travel destination with a museum, gallery, café, and event space. Locals and tourists alike can explore marked trails around the site if they are prepared to hike the sometimes steep and hilly terrain.
Whether you are a lighthouse enthusiast, or just looking for some picturesque scenery while exploring southern Norway, Lindesnes Fyr would make a great addition to your itinerary.
Sources:
Lindesnes: The Very South of Norway – Life in Norway
Lindesnes Lighthouse | Buildings & Monuments | Lindesnes | Norway (visitnorway.com)
Lindesnes Lighthouse – Lindesnes fyr – Den levende fyrstasjonen
Lindesnes Lighthouse – Wikipedia