Helsinki Lighthouse

The Helsinki Lighthouse (Finnish: Helsingin majakka; also commonly known as Helsingin kasuuni[2] — Swedish: Helsingfors fyra; Helsingfors kassun) is a caisson-type lighthouse located in the Gulf of Finland, 22 kilometres (12 nmi) due south of West Harbour, Helsinki.

Helsinki Lighthouse
Helsinki Lighthouse in 2007
Helsinki Lighthouse
LocationGulf of Finland, Baltic Sea
Coordinates59.935833°N 24.918333°E / 59.935833; 24.918333
Year first constructed1958 (1958)
Year first lit1959 (1959)
Tower shapeCylindrical
Markings / patternRed over white
Tower height27.5 metres (90 ft) (above base structure)
Focal height25 metres (82 ft)[1]
Range22 kilometres (12 nmi)[1]
CharacteristicL.Fl W 12s
RaconT 
Admiralty numberC5184
NGA number116-14516
ARLHS numberFIN009
Managing agentFinnish Transport Infrastructure Agency

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 13 metres (43 ft). Further work was carried out the following year, and the lighthouse was officially commissioned in September 1959.[1]

Constructed of reinforced concrete, the maximum diameter at the bottom of the submerged base is 19 metres (62 ft), and that of the visible tower 6 metres (20 ft).[1] The height of the visible part is 27.5 metres (90 ft), with the light at 25 metres (82 ft) above mean sea level.[1]

The tower has eight storeys, with the solar-powered[1] 40W halogen light source on the top,[3] and control and technical rooms as well as operator accommodation below. In 1984, a helipad was added on top of the tower.[1]

The lighthouse is automated,[3] and operated from the control room on the Harmaja islet.[1]

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

See also
  • Harmaja lighthouse and pilot station

References
  1. Seppo Laurell; Sakke Yrjölä (1999). Suomen Majakat — Finska Fyrar (in Finnish and Swedish). Merenkulkulaitos / Gummerus. ISBN 9525180212.
  2. "Onko tässä Helsingin kimurantein remonttityömaa? Majakka käärittiin valkoiseen pakettiin keskellä Suomenlahtea" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  3. "Helsingin majakka opastaa merenkulkijoita keskellä Suomenlahtea – 40 watin halogeenilampulla" (in Finnish). Helsingin Sanomat. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  4. "Rannikko- ja järviasemien säähavainnot". Ilmatieteenlaitos.fi. Finnish Meteorological Institute. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
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