Russarö Lighthouse Explained

Location:Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Yearlit:1863
Foundation:Granite
Construction:Brick
Shape:Octagonal
Marking:Red

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. It is commonly known as Hangon silmä ('The Eye of Hanko').[1]

Earlier unilluminated daymarks and lighthouses existed on the spot, dating back to 1815. The current lighthouse was built in 1863, making it one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Finland. 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.[2]

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

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

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Risteilyjä Russaröhön . VisitHanko.fi . City of Hanko Tourist Office . 9 February 2021 . fi . 9 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210209082129/https://visithanko.fi/tuotesivu/risteilyja-russarohon/ . dead .
  2. Web site: Russarö . Majakkaseura.fi . 21 March 2017 . Finnish Lighthouse Society . 9 February 2021 . fi.
  3. Book: Selitys Tulimajakoista, Tunnusmajakoista ja muista Merirasteista pitkin Suomen rannikkoa Koiviston salmelta Wiipurin läänissä Tornion kaupunkiin . 1891 . Suomen luotsi- ja majakkalaitoksen Ylihallitus . . 9 February 2021 . fi . 20 July 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110720190435/http://www.majakkamestarit.fi/majakat_russaro.html . dead .