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Vesborg Fyr

Vesborg Fyr 1A, 8305 Samsø, Denmark

Name and Location

Vesborg Fyr (Vesborg Lighthouse) stands on Samsø Island in central Denmark, occupying the summit of a low cliff that once hosted Vesborg Castle.

Construction and History

Built in 1858, Vesborg Fyr was constructed to guide vessels through the busy approaches to the Kattegat. The lighthouse occupies the site where the 12th-century ring castle "Vesborg" once stood, which was demolished by the mid-16th century. The light has remained in service since its inauguration, initially with oil, later gas and electric power, and now automated.

Architecture and Materials

The tower is a cylindrical brick structure with a lantern room and gallery, painted white with a red lantern roof. The height above ground is approximately 15 meters, with the focal plane situated about 22 meters above sea level. The construction materials include brick masonry and cast-iron lantern rooms.

Light and Navigation

Vesborg Fyr carries a modern rotating beacon, but the light characteristic and exact range are not publicly documented. The lighthouse remains active, serving as a navigational aid for vessels navigating the Kattegat and North Sea coast.

Accessibility and Visiting

  • The lighthouse is open to visitors, with access to a visitor centre, panoramic viewing platform, and café.
  • Visitors can explore the exhibition on Vesborg Castle, gift shop, and refreshment counter.
  • Note that the site is not wheelchair-accessible due to the gravel path leading to the tower.

Notable Views and Landscape

Perched on a grassy plateau overlooking the North Sea coast, Vesborg Fyr offers sweeping views of Jutland's mainland, the Samsø countryside, and—on clear days—the faint outlines of Zealand. The surrounding landscape features grazing fields and heather-covered slopes, prime habitat for seabirds and wildflowers.

Anecdotes and Folklore

N/A

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is privately operated under lease from the Danish Coastal Authority. While it does not have formal protected status, it is regarded locally as a cultural landmark.

Further Information

For more information on Vesborg Fyr, visit the official website at https://www.vesborgfyr.dk/, or consult Wikidata (Q16902633) and Wikimedia Commons (File:Vesborg Fyr (Samsø, Danmark).JPG).

Details

NameVesborg Fyr
City
CountryDenmark
Coordinates55.7698659, 10.5508874
Websitehttps://www.vesborgfyr.dk/
Year of construction1858
Historic significanceBuilt atop the ramparts of the 12th-century ring castle “Vesborg,” demolished by the mid-16th century.
Architectural styleCylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery
Construction materialBrick masonry, cast-iron lantern room
Focal height22
Tower height15
Access descriptionRoad access via Vesborgvej; gravel path to tower; not wheelchair-accessible
Accessiblefalse
View descriptionPerched on a grassy plateau overlooking the North Sea coast, Vesborg Fyr commands sweeping views of Jutland’s mainland, the Samsø countryside, and—on clear days—the faint outlines of Sjælland.
FacilitiesExhibition on Vesborg Castle, gift shop, refreshment counter
Opening hoursSee official website (seasonal operation, small admission fee applies)
Light characteristicModern rotating beacon; characteristic not publicly documented
Automatedtrue