Name and Location

Hirsholm Fyr, also known as Hirsholm Lighthouse, is a coastal lighthouse located at the southern tip of Hirsholm Island in the Kattegat Sea off northern Jutland, Denmark. The island is situated near Frederikshavn and serves as the principal navigational aid marking the approaches to this city and the eastern Danish coastline.

Construction and History

The Hirsholm Fyr lighthouse was constructed in the late 19th century, with its exact year of completion not recorded. It began operating in the late 1800s, with the first light likely established by the Danish Lighthouse Authority during this period. The tower was converted to automatic operation in the mid-20th century. Until then, it was staffed by resident lighthouse keepers who faced harsh winters and supply-boat delays.

Architecture and Materials

The Hirsholm Fyr lighthouse is a cylindrical masonry tower with a balcony and lantern made of brick or stone core with external rendering, characteristic of Danish 19th-century lighthouses. The exterior finish is painted white, while the lantern housing is in dark metalwork, likely black or dark green.

Light and Navigation

The Hirsholm Fyr light is an active navigational aid under the Danish Coastal Authority (Kystdirektoratet). Its characteristic, range, and focal height are not publicly documented. Mariners should consult the latest Notices to Mariners or official Danish light lists for technical details and light characteristics.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Hirsholm Fyr lighthouse is accessible by private boat only. Landing is permitted at a small jetty on Hirsholm's southwestern shore, subject to tidal conditions. There are no regular guided tours of the tower, and visitors must bring their own provisions and comply with nature reserve rules.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding environment features Hirsholm Island, a very small, uninhabited island and designated nature reserve, renowned for its seabird colonies (terns, gulls) and dune flora. The area offers coastal birdwatching, tiny sandy beaches, and walks among dune grasses and sea thrift.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No notable stories or anecdotes about the Hirsholm Fyr lighthouse are available at this time.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority for the Hirsholm Fyr lighthouse is the Danish Coastal Authority (Kystdirektoratet). The island is protected as a nature reserve, while the lighthouse itself is not separately listed on the Danish registry of historic monuments. For technical details and light characteristics, consult official nautical publications or contact the Danish Coastal Authority.

Further Information

For further information about Hirsholm Fyr, refer to the following sources: Danish Coastal Authority (Kystdirektoratet) – official light lists and Notices to Mariners; Wikidata Q28375553 – structured data on Hirsholm Fyr; OpenStreetMap – way/81660799 (“lighthouse”); Danish Nature Agency – regulations for visiting Hirsholm nature reserve; local maritime pilot books and Baltic Sea chart series (chart no. 931) for technical details and light characteristics.