Location
Åsvær Lighthouse (Norwegian: Åsvær fyr) is situated on the island of Åsvær in the municipality of Dønna, Nordland county, Norway. The lighthouse lies in the Helgeland archipelago on the western side of the island, facing the Norwegian Sea.
History
- Construction and commissioning: The lighthouse was built and first lit in 1910 as part of Norway’s coastal navigation system.
- Automation: The station was automated in 1980, after which the on‑site keeper’s residence was no longer occupied.
Structure
- The tower is a cylindrical concrete construction, painted white with a red lantern roof.
- Height of the tower: approximately 12 m (39 ft) above the base.
- Focal height (height of the light above sea level): about 21 m (69 ft).
Optical characteristic
- Light source: originally an oil‑lamp, later replaced by electric illumination after automation.
- Current characteristic (as listed by the Norwegian Coastal Administration): a white flash every 5 seconds (Fl W 5s).
- Nominal range: roughly 12 nautical miles (22 km).
Management and heritage
- The lighthouse is owned and operated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket).
- Åsvær Lighthouse is listed as a protected cultural heritage site by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren).
Access
The site is accessible only by boat; there is no regular public transport to the island. The former keeper’s house and auxiliary buildings remain, but they are not open to the public on a regular basis.
References
- Norwegian Coastal Administration, “Lighthouses – Åsvær fyr.”
- Norsk Fyrhistorisk Forening (Norwegian Lighthouse History Association), entry on Åsvær lighthouse.
This entry reflects information available from official Norwegian maritime and heritage sources.
