Do you dream of falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves?
Find peace of mind, new energy or adventures by calming waters? A night at a Norwegian lighthouse with views of the ocean, sunsets or might storms, could be what you are looking for.
In Norway, the first lighthouse was lit in 1656, and ever since large ships and small fishing boats have navigated by the lights and sounds from more than 200 lighthouses along the Norwegian coastline.
As technology has sailed away from the traditional lighthouses, many of them have been closed down entirely or have become automated. The last manned governmental lighthouse was closed down in 2006.
This development opened up for a new world of idyllic and dramatic accommodation by the ocean. Today approx. 60 lighthouses in Norway offer accommodation, adventures, culture and history along the whole coast of the country.
Below you will find a selection of lighthouses along the western fjords from the Stavanger region on the south, to the north-west coast around Molde in the north.
Note: These tips are meant as inspiration until we can travel again. Visit Norway encourages everybody to follow recommendations and advices from national and local authorities. Information on travel restrictions can be found here: Coronavirus and travelling to Norway.Dream now, visit later.
KVASSHEIM RECREATION LIGHTHOUSE
On the southernmost part of the Jæren beaches (Stavanger region), you will find Kvassheim Lighthouse which was in operation from 1912 until 1992. Today it is a museum and information- and “friluft” centre. The lighthouse complex consists of the lighthouse keeper’s residence, a 12-meter tall lighthouse and a machine room that contained a typhoon fog warning system. In addition, there is an assistant’s house and a small building that has been renovated and turned into accommodation units. Kvassheim Lighthouse is also one of three visitor centres for Våtmark Jæren (Wetland Jæren).
Kvassheim lighthouse | Buildings & Monuments | Brusand | Norway
OBRESTAD LIGHTHOUSE
Obrestad Lighthouse was established in 1873. The lighthouse is located on the coast of Jæren, which is known for its stone beaches. Today, the lighthouse is a museum about everyday life at the lighthouse itself and the region. The houses where the lighthouse keepers and their families lived are now rentable all year round, and all three units have unique views towards the sea and the mountains behind. The homes have been renovated inside and have tasteful and modern design.
Obrestad lighthouse | Buildings & Monuments | Nærbø | Norway
UTSIRA LIGHTHOUSE
Utsira Lighthouse was first lit on August 15, 1844, and is Norway’s only remaining twin tower lighthouse. Only one of the towers is still in operation and has a total height of 78 meters above sea level, making it the tallest lighthouse in Norway. Utsira Lighthouse can offer visitors accommodation in five units, each with room from one to five persons. In addition to accommodation, Utsira can also offer an artist’s house, cafe, gallery and a vintage shop. The island is also great for bird watching, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Light house at Utsira | Lighthouse | Utsira | Norway
RYVARDEN CULTURE LIGHTHOUSE
Ryvarden has a history going back more than 1,100 years. The story about Ramnafloke who left from Ryvarden for Iceland is duly documented in the Icelandic “Landnamabok”, a story describing the settlement of Iceland. Flokevarden (the Floke Cairn), was placed outmost on the Ryvardsneset for almost 1,000 years and was important for sailing along the coast. In 1849 the first lighthouse was built and has been rebuilt and expanded until it became automated in 1984. Today the lighthouse can accommodate from eight to ten people in the lighthouse keeper’s residence.
Ryvarden Lighthouse | Special Venues | Sveio | Norway
MARSTEIN LIGHTHOUSE
Marstein Lighthouse has a long history stretching back to the 1800’s, and has seen several dramatic events, both during World War II and up to January, 2005, when the the hurricane “Inga” more or less destroyed the lighthouse keeper’s residence. The lighthouse itself was built in 1877 and unmanned in 2002. Today accommodation at Marstein is offered by Panorama Hotell & Resort with 12 rooms and capacity for 21 persons.
Marstein Lighthouse | Receptions & Dinners | Steinsland | Norway
STABBEN LIGHTHOUSE
On a rounded, slippery rock in the middle of the waterway, the powerful Stabben Lighthouse was built in 1866/1867. Today it is one of the most special lighthouses in Norway, and can be seen from far away on the coast and from the town of Florø. The lighthouse covers the whole rock, and towards northwest where the ocean hits the strongest, the foundation of the lighthouse is constructed like a ship’s bow to break the waves. The lighthouse has over the years been renovated and now offers accommodation through the local cultural protection foundation in Florø.
Stabben Lighthouse – Lighthouse in Florø, Kinn – FjordKysten
KVANHOVDEN LIGHTHOUSE
30 minutes’ by boat from Florø, outmost on the coast you will find Kvanhovden Lighthouse. The lighthouse has resisted winds and storms since 1895. Placed on top of a cliff, 40 meters above sea level, on the island Hovden, Kvanhovden is one of the highest placed lighthouse in Norway. The lighthouse has excellent views both south and north along the coast, and out over the ocean. The lighthouse keeper’s house can today accommodate up to 10 people, with three bedrooms.
Kvanhovden Lighthouse | Lighthouse | Florø | Norway
KRÅKENES LIGHTHOUSE
Kråkenes Lighthouse is a relatively new lighthouse built-in 1906, guarding the sailing from Stadtlandet, one of the stormiest places along the coast of Norway. The lighthouse, which is placed 45 meters above sea level, offers accommodation in Stormsuiten (the Storm Suite) on the top floor of the lighthouse, renovated in 2019. The suite has a bedroom, living room, bath, kitchen and dining room with room for four people. Stormhuset (the Storm House), was the keeper assistant with the family’s home, also newly renovated, offering four bedrooms, kitchen, bath and living room.
Kråkenes Lighthouse | Lighthouse | Raudeberg | Norway
RUNDE LIGHTHOUSE
Is located on the northwest side of the well-known bird island of Runde. The lighthouse is one of Norway’s oldest, built-in 1767. For more than 235 years, the lighthouse was guarded by keepers, assistants, their families, governesses, servants and livestock. The lighthouse was unmanned in 2007. Today the newest lighthouse keeper’s residence has been turned into a self-service cabin with a capacity for 24 people with several bedrooms. In addition, there is also a kitchen with food from self-service storage.
Runde Lighthouse – Accommodation | Cottages & Holiday Houses | Runde | Norway
MOLJA LIGHTHOUSE
Molja is a charming landmark in Ålesund, and a unique hotel room located in the approach to the city. The lighthouse, owned and operated by Hotel Brosundet, is only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. The 150 year’s lighthouse is still in operation and now offers a modern and rustic bedroom on the top floor, and an elegant bathroom on the first floor. Guests receive an ample breakfast basket in the morning.
Molja Lighthouse | Lighthouse | Ålesund | Norway
FLATFLESA LIGHTHOUSE
From 1902, there has been activity at Flatflesa Lighthouse. Flatflesa is placed on a cliff out in the ocean (Flesa means cliff), and the houses have stood here for 119 years. Until 1988, seven lighthouse keepers and their families have worked here. In 2018 a total renovation took place and the lighthouse now offers accommodation for up to 16 persons in nine bedrooms. In addition, there is also a well-being section with a sauna and jacuzzi.
Flatflesa Lighthouse – Classic Norway
ONA LIGHTHOUSE
The fishing village of Ona is an island community utmost on the coast outside Molde. On the island, there is today approx. 15 permanent residents. Ona Lighthouse was built in 1865 and is placed on the highest point, Onakalven, in the middle of the island. The island is a small society offering a summer cafe, arts and crafts workshops, handicraft shop, a chapel and a long, white beach. Ona is perfect for both summer and winter adventures. The lighthouse itself does not offer accommodation, but Ona Havstuer is a small, charming and excellent hotel.
The fishing village of Ona and Ona lighthouse
Norway is the place to experience the magical northern lights and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle; visit the world-famous fjords surrounded by spectacular mountains and glaciers; and in the midst of stunning scenery, enjoy gourmet food and culture in the cities of Oslo, Trondheim, Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø.
For the best advice on Norway, click on www.visitnorway.com