Russarö Lighthouse

Russarö Lighthouse (Finnish: Russarön majakka, Swedish: Russarö fyr) is a lighthouse situated on the island of Russarö, outside Hanko, Finland, at the western extremity of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.[1][2] It is commonly known as Hangon silmä (lit. 'The Eye of Hanko').[3]

Russarö Lighthouse
Russarö
Russarö lighthouse in 2013
LocationGulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Coordinates59.773333°N 22.943333°E / 59.773333; 22.943333
Tower
Constructed1863 Edit this on Wikidata
FoundationGranite
ConstructionBrick
Automated1949 Edit this on Wikidata
Height21 m (69 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
ShapeOctagonal
MarkingsRed
Power sourceelectricity Edit this on Wikidata
Light
First lit1863
Focal height34.2 m (112 ft) Edit this on Wikidata
Range16.9 nmi (31.3 km; 19.4 mi) Edit this on Wikidata
CharacteristicFl(4) W 45s Edit this on Wikidata
The lighthouse of Russarö illustrated in Finland framstäldt i teckningar (published 1845-1852) where Russarö is called Rotsaari kala.

Earlier unilluminated daymarks and lighthouses existed on the spot, dating back to 1815.[2] The current lighthouse was built in 1863, making it one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Finland.[3] It was the first in Finland to operate also during winter months, due to the Port of Hanko being in the 19th century the only port open throughout the year.[1]

Constructed of bricks and mortar over a granite base, the lighthouse is octagonal in shape and comprises five storeys.[3] The top floor features a beautiful vaulted ceiling.[1] The base is natural stone colour (brown), the main tower red.[2]

In the summer months, day cruises to the island of Russarö are operated from Hanko's Eastern Harbour.[3] However, due to the dilapidated state of the lighthouse, visitors are no longer allowed entry into the tower.[1]

References

  1. "Russarö". Majakkaseura.fi (in Finnish). Finnish Lighthouse Society. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  2. Selitys Tulimajakoista, Tunnusmajakoista ja muista Merirasteista pitkin Suomen rannikkoa Koiviston salmelta Wiipurin läänissä Tornion kaupunkiin (in Finnish). Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland: Suomen luotsi- ja majakkalaitoksen Ylihallitus. 1891. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  3. "Risteilyjä Russaröhön". VisitHanko.fi (in Finnish). City of Hanko Tourist Office. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
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