Name and Location

Christiansø Lighthouse, also known as Store Tårn (the "Large Tower"), is a small, white, round stone tower located on the island of Christiansø in the Ertholmene archipelago, northeast of Bornholm, Denmark. The lighthouse can be found at Christiansø 121, 3760 Gudhjem (Ertholmene), Capital Region, Denmark.

Construction and History

The Christiansø Lighthouse was erected in the early 19th century, with construction starting in 1805. It is believed that military engineers under the Danish Crown designed and built the lighthouse. The tower was originally part of a coastal fortress, converted to a lighthouse shortly after completion. The lighthouse served as a daymark for local coastal navigation.

Architecture and Materials

The Christiansø Lighthouse is a small, white, round stone tower rising 16 m above its base. It has a cylindrical shape attached to the former fortress structure. The original stonework below the tower is now plastered. The roof/cap features a small lantern room (currently inactive).

Light and Navigation

The Christiansø Lighthouse remains operational as a navigational aid, serving as a visual landmark for vessels approaching Ertholmene from east and north. Although it once had a fixed lantern, there is no active light currently installed.

Accessibility and Visiting

The island of Christiansø is open to day-visitors, but the lighthouse tower itself is not open for climbing. Visitors can access the island by passenger ferry from Gudhjem (Bornholm), which operates year-round. On-site facilities include a small café, exhibit on Ertholmene's military history, and basic restroom.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features rugged granite outcrops, low cliffs, and scattered stone buildings of the former fortress. From the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy views northward across the Baltic to Bornholm's northern shores. The area is also home to coastal heath, seabird nesting sites, and seals occasionally haul out on nearby skerries.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Locally known as "Store Tårn," the lighthouse guided small fishing boats into the sheltered harbour. Keepers often doubled as coastal guards during wartime.

Technical and Operational Details

The Danish Coastal Authority manages the Christiansø Lighthouse, with Fyr & Varder (frv.dk) operating the facility. There are no active installations on the tower, including AIS/radar. The lighthouse is listed as part of the protected historic fortress on Christiansø under the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces.

Further Information

For further information, please visit the official operator's website at http://www.frv.dk/. Additional resources include the Danish Wikipedia page (Danish language) and Wikidata (Q5110646).