Kõrgessaare Lighthouse – A Look at Estonia’s Oldest Light Tower
Kõrgessaare Lighthouse is the oldest light tower in Estonia, standing tall at the north end of the island of Hiiumaa. It has been guiding ships for centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction. Located in the Gulf of Finland, the lighthouse offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the nearby islands. This article will take a closer look at the history and features of Kõrgessaare Lighthouse.
History of Kõrgessaare Lighthouse
Kõrgessaare Lighthouse was built in 1788, making it the oldest light tower in Estonia. It is located on the north coast of Hiiumaa, an island in the Gulf of Finland. The lighthouse was built to guide ships to the harbor at Kõrgessaare. It has been in continuous operation since it was built and is still used today.
The original building was made of wood and had a height of 15 meters. It was later replaced by a stone building in 1810. The current lighthouse was built in 1871 and has a height of 18 meters. The lighthouse was automated in 1973 and is now managed remotely by the Estonian Maritime Administration.
Features of Kõrgessaare Lighthouse
Kõrgessaare Lighthouse is a white stone building with a red roof. It has an octagonal tower that stands 18 meters tall. The lighthouse is equipped with a 400 watt electric lamp that can be seen from up to 15 nautical miles away. The light flashes white every 20 seconds.
The lighthouse also has a fog signal that operates when visibility is low. The signal is a horn that blasts every 20 seconds. The lighthouse is also equipped with a modern radio beacon that sends out a signal that can be picked up by ships’ navigational systems.
Visiting Kõrgessaare Lighthouse
Kõrgessaare Lighthouse is open to visitors from May to September. Visitors can climb the tower to the top, where they can enjoy stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the nearby islands. There is also a small museum on-site that features artifacts and information about the history of the lighthouse.
The nearby town of Kõrgessaare is also worth exploring. It is a charming fishing village with a picturesque harbor, small shops and cafes, and a sandy beach. Visitors can also take boat trips around the island or explore the nearby nature trails.
Conclusion
Kõrgessaare Lighthouse is the oldest light tower in Estonia and has been guiding ships for centuries. It is located in the Gulf of Finland and offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the nearby islands. The lighthouse is open to visitors from May to September and offers a unique experience for those looking for a unique view of the Estonian coast.