Helsinki Lighthouse Explained

Location:Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Shape:Cylindrical
Marking:Red over white
Height: (above base structure)
Range:22km (14miles)
Characteristic:L.Fl W 12s
Managingagent:Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency

The Helsinki Lighthouse (Finnish: Helsingin majakka; also commonly known as Helsingin kasuuni[1]Swedish: Helsingfors fyra; Helsingfors kassun) is a caisson-type lighthouse located in the Gulf of Finland, 22km (14miles) due south of West Harbour, Helsinki.

Construction of the lighthouse began in the Suomenlinna shipyard in May 1958, and in August the same year the structure was towed to its current location and sank to rest on the seabed at a depth of . Further work was carried out the following year, and the lighthouse was officially commissioned in September 1959.

Constructed of reinforced concrete, the maximum diameter at the bottom of the submerged base is, and that of the visible tower . The height of the visible part is, with the light at above mean sea level.

The tower has eight storeys, with the solar-powered[2] 40W halogen light source on the top, and control and technical rooms as well as operator accommodation below. In 1984, a helipad was added on top of the tower.

The lighthouse is automated,[3] and operated from the control room on the Harmaja islet.

There is a Finnish Meteorological Institute weather station located at the lighthouse.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Onko tässä Helsingin kimurantein remonttityömaa? Majakka käärittiin valkoiseen pakettiin keskellä Suomenlahtea . 14 December 2020 . Helsingin Sanomat . 29 June 2018 . fi.
  2. Book: Seppo Laurell . Sakke Yrjölä . Suomen Majakat — Finska Fyrar . 1999 . Merenkulkulaitos / Gummerus . 9525180212 . fi, sv.
  3. News: Helsingin majakka opastaa merenkulkijoita keskellä Suomenlahtea – 40 watin halogeenilampulla . 14 December 2020 . Helsingin Sanomat . 20 September 2014 . fi.
  4. Web site: Rannikko- ja järviasemien säähavainnot . Ilmatieteenlaitos.fi . Finnish Meteorological Institute . 14 December 2020.