Name and Location

Skansin Lighthouse, also referred to in German as Leuchtturm Skansin, stands at the head of Tórshavn harbour on the island of Streymoy in the Faroe Islands. It marks the eastern approach to the town's busy port basin.

Location

Address: 0 Yviri við Strond, Tórshavn 100, Faroe Islands

Municipality: Tórshavnar kommuna (Tórshavn Municipality)

Island/Region: Streymoy, Faroe Islands

Coordinates: 62°00′28.33″ N, 6°45′47.38″ W

https://goo.gl/maps/1kR5pSzZjnS2">node/32897707

Construction and History

Skansin Lighthouse sits immediately adjacent to Skansin fortress (built 1580), commanding views over Tórshavn harbour and the Norðskáli sound. The lighthouse forms part of the Skansin historic site; the adjacent fortress is protected as national heritage.

Architecture and Materials

The tower form is a short cylindrical tower with gallery and lantern room. It is painted white, with the lantern roof and equipment in red. Construction materials are masonry or concrete (traditional harbour-light construction).

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse function is a harbour entrance light, serving local vessels bound for Tórshavn. The light is fully automated, with no resident keeper. Light characteristic, focal height, nominal range, and installation date are not publicly documented.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Skansin area (fort and waterfront) is open to visitors year-round at no charge. Tower access is limited, as the lighthouse tower itself is not generally open to the public. Visitors can reach the site by a short walk from Tórshavn town centre along the eastern quay (Eystara Bryggja), then a stone-paved path up to the headland.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the cliffside path, one enjoys panoramic views of Tórshavn town, Tinganes peninsula, and Skálafjørður beyond. The historic cannons of Skansin fortress are popular photo subjects, with the lighthouse rising behind them.

Anecdotes and Folklore

N/A

Technical and Operational Details

N/A

Further Information

https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/32897707">OpenStreetMap “node/32897707”

https://www.fcoa.fo">Faroese Coastal Administration: https://www.fcoa.fo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skansin">Wikipedia (Skansin): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skansin