Russarö Lighthouse
![]() Russarö lighthouse in 2013 | |
![]() | |
Location | Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea |
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Coordinates | 59°46′24″N 22°56′36″E / 59.773333°N 22.943333°E |
Tower | |
Constructed | 1863 ![]() |
Foundation | Granite |
Construction | Brick |
Automated | 1949 ![]() |
Height | 21 m (69 ft) ![]() |
Shape | Octagonal |
Markings | Red |
Power source | electricity ![]() |
Light | |
First lit | 1863 |
Focal height | 34.2 m (112 ft) ![]() |
Range | 16.9 nmi (31.3 km; 19.4 mi) ![]() |
Characteristic | Fl(4) W 45s ![]() |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Hang%C3%B6udds_b%C3%A5k_-_Johan_Knutson_-_Finland_framst%C3%A4lldt_i_teckningar_-_33.jpg/220px-Hang%C3%B6udds_b%C3%A5k_-_Johan_Knutson_-_Finland_framst%C3%A4lldt_i_teckningar_-_33.jpg)
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]
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
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Russarö". Majakkaseura.fi (in Finnish). Finnish Lighthouse Society. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ a b c d "Risteilyjä Russaröhön". VisitHanko.fi (in Finnish). City of Hanko Tourist Office. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.