Name and Location

Harmaja Lighthouse (Finnish: Harmajan majakka; Swedish: Gråhara fyr) is located off the southern shore of Helsinki at the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. Its coordinates are 60°06′18.1″ N, 24°58′32.1″ E.

Construction and History

Available records suggest that Harmaja has served as a station since the late 19th century, replacing earlier lighted buoys. Tradition holds that steamers used to send small boats ashore to deliver mail and supplies.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is built with a masonry tower rising directly from bedrock.

Light and Navigation

Harmaja Lighthouse marks the approach to Helsinki's busy harbour and carries a racon for radar identification. The light range is 15 nmi (27.4 km). It has an occulting pattern of "4 + 2" every 6 seconds, with sector colours white, red, and green according to bearings.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse stands on a small island reachable only by boat. There is no public ferry; private boats and chartered tours may land when weather permits. The tower is not open to the public, but small craft can approach the platform to view it from the deck. Visitors should respect all safety and environmental regulations in the archipelago.

Notable Views and Landscape

Harmaja island is low and rocky, sparsely vegetated by hardy grasses and lichens. It commands panoramic views over the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki's skyline to the north, and the open sea to the south. Birdlife includes gulls, terns, and migratory waterfowl.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No major shipwrecks have occurred in its immediate vicinity in modern times, but the light has guided countless vessels safely to harbour.

Technical and Operational Details

The light is fully automated and monitored remotely by the Finnish maritime authorities. It remains an active aid to navigation and operates year-round.

Further Information

• Managing authority: Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (speculative – not officially confirmed)
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmaja
• Wikidata: Q3127504
• Seamen's guides and Admiralty List of Lights