Name and Location

Blåvandshuk Lighthouse, also known as Blåvand Fyr, is located at the address Fyrvej 106, 6857 Blåvand, Varde Municipality, Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark. The coordinates are 55°33′28″ N, 8°04′59″ E (WGS 84). It can be found on Google Maps at https://www.google.com/maps?q=55.5578258,8.0832535.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1899 and first lit in 1900. The architect/designer was Engineer J. Th. Ålborg for the Danish Lighthouse Authority. It has been automated since the 1980s, with an exact date of circa 1981. The lighthouse is listed as a historic structure by Denmark's Cultural Heritage Agency.

Architecture and Materials

The style of the tower is Historicist/industrial lantern tower of the late 19th century. The material used is brick and granite masonry, rendered white. The height of the tower above base is 39 meters. The elevation site is approximately 16 meters above sea level, with a focal plane at about 55 meters above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The light character is flashing white. The range is approximately 20 nautical miles (speculative, based on typical focal height). The optics are a 2nd-order Fresnel lens (original installation; now modern lamps may be in use). The power source is mains electricity with backup generator.

Accessibility and Visiting

The tower itself is closed to the public. However, the surrounding area is open year-round, offering panoramic coastal vistas after climbing adjacent dunes. There are parking facilities, informational plaques, but no on-site café or restrooms in the tower building.

Notable Views and Landscape

Blåvandshuk Fyr rises from windswept dunes and marram grass typical of the Wadden Sea coast. Its western exposure affords sweeping views of unbroken North Sea horizons, migrating seabirds, and on clear days, the outline of German sandbanks.

Anecdotes and Folklore

During World War II, the tower was used by occupying forces as an observation post. Local shipwrecks have occurred, with several freighters foundering on nearby sandbanks; the lighthouse has markedly reduced the wreck rate. Winter storms have isolated keepers for days, rationing coal and provisions.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority is the Danish Coastal Authority (Kystdirektoratet). The function of the lighthouse is an active marine navigational aid with automatic operation. There is no dedicated radar installation on the tower; standard regional AIS coverage applies. Nautical chart reference is Danish chart No. 123 (Skallingen–Rømø).

Further Information

For precise flash pattern, range, and opening times, please consult the Danish Coastal Authority or local visitor bureau.