Name and Location

The Viirelaiu tuletorn (Viirelaid Lighthouse) is located in Kajaka, Võiküla, 94713 Saare maakond, Estonia, standing tall on the coast of the Gulf of Riga.

Construction and History

Built in the early 20th century, the Viirelaiu tuletorn was constructed to guide mariners through treacherous waters and serve as a vital aid to navigation. The lighthouse has played an important role in maritime heritage for over a century.

Architecture and Materials

The Viirelaiu tuletorn is a characteristic example of Estonian lighthouse architecture, featuring a distinctive white cylindrical tower reaching 17 meters (56 feet) in height. Constructed using local materials, including stone and brick, the structure also boasts a traditional lantern room with a red roof.

Light and Navigation

The Viirelaiu tuletorn is equipped with two light sources: one emitting a white light with a range of 9 nautical miles (16.7 kilometers) and a period of 8 seconds, and the other producing a red light with a range of 7 nautical miles (13 kilometers) and a period of 8 seconds. The lights are visible from a sector spanning 163 to 349 degrees.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a scenic coastal path that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Gulf of Riga. The site is open to the public, but visitors are advised to exercise caution when approaching the structure.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Viirelaiu tuletorn is situated in a picturesque coastal area characterized by sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and lush vegetation. Visitors can capture stunning images of the lighthouse and its environs from various vantage points along the coastal path.

Heritage Status

The Viirelaiu tuletorn is a protected cultural monument in Estonia, recognized for its historical significance and architectural importance.

Technical and Operational Details

Automated in the past, the Viirelaiu tuletorn is no longer an active aid to navigation.