Name and Location

Helnæs Fyr (Helnæs Lighthouse) is a coastal lighthouse situated at the tip of the Helnæs Peninsula on the western shores of the Danish island of Funen. Its official address is Lindhovedvej 33B, 5631 Ebberup, Assens Municipality, Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark.

Construction and History

Commissioned by the Danish Lighthouse Authority (Fyrlaug), Helnæs Fyr was designed circa 1903-04 and built in 1905. The light was officially inaugurated on April 15, 1905. After serving as an aid to navigation for coastal shipping in the Little Belt until its deactivation in 1972, the tower and adjoining keeper's dwellings were repurposed as visitor accommodation.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a modest tapering tower and lantern house with a cast-iron structure riveted around a brick core. The granite base and foundation provide stability. The tower stands at 28 meters above ground, with a focal height of approximately 29 meters above sea level. The exterior is painted white, while the lantern and railings are painted red.

Light and Navigation

Originally, the light characteristic was group flashing—three white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl (3) W 15 s). The range was 17 nautical miles (approximately 31 kilometers). An optical apparatus with a first-order Fresnel lens mounted on a mercury bath turning table was used. Power came from acetylene gas until electrification in 1952, followed by mains electricity.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can stay overnight or take guided tours by prior arrangement. Access is via Lindhovedvej, with parking available on site. The nearest bus stop is in Ebberup (2 kilometers away). Shared kitchen and dining areas are available for guests.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers an unobstructed view across the Little Belt toward Jutland, as well as sunsets over the water. The surrounding terrain features beach meadows, dune heath, and a narrow sandy beach approximately 200 meters to the west.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• Local tradition links the lighthouse to the grounding of the Danish steamer S/S Helnæs in 1927 (no casualties).
• Fishermen's tales speak of phantom lights dancing off the dunes on stormy nights.
• The first keeper, Jens Petersen, is said to have rowed supplies ashore through winter storms.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally powered by clockwork mechanism, driven by keepers. Later, it used mains electricity. Automation followed deactivation in 1972. Today, the original tower no longer serves navigation.

Further Information

For further information on visiting hours, rates, guided-tour bookings, and contact details, please see http://helnæsfyr.dk.