Construction and History

The lighthouse was first established in 1836 under the direction of the Norwegian Lighthouse Administration. The current cast-iron tower was erected in 1853, replacing an earlier wooden structure. The lighthouse was automated in 1988–89 and de-staffed; keeper's houses were converted into a museum and lodging. It is managed by the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) in cooperation with the Lista Fyr Foundation.

Architecture and Materials

The tower is made of cylindrical cast-iron plates on a granite foundation, painted white with two red horizontal bands and a black lantern. The height is 34 m, with a focal plane at 46 m above mean sea level. The lens is an original Fresnel lens retained in the tower lantern (fourth order(?)); the lantern diameter is approximately 4 m. Keeper's buildings are traditional wooden dwellings dating from the mid-19th century.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is a white flash every 30 seconds (Fl W 30 s). The nominal range is 18 nautical miles (approximately 33 km). The current light source is an electric lamp (incandescent/halogen), backed by an emergency generator. Automation is remote-controlled from Kystverket regional station; no radar or AIS transceiver is installed on site.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to visitors seasonally (mid-May through early September) with guided tours of the tower and lens room. On-site facilities include a permanent exhibition on lighthouse history, a gift shop, a café in the former keeper's quarters, and gallery space. Accommodation is available as part of the old keeper's complex operating as simple hostel/guest rooms by advance booking. Access is by car (Fv43), with parking adjacent; short walking trails through dune heath to beach viewpoints. Public bus service is available to Borhaug village (1 km east).

Notable Views and Landscape

The surroundings offer notable views, including the Lista Bird Observatory (snøhetta) just east of the lighthouse—a major stop on migratory routes. The area also features an open-air folk museum at Lista and historic fishing village of Vanse nearby. Long sandy beaches, shallow tidal flats, and a windswept landscape popular for birdwatching, windsurfing, and beachcombing are also found in the vicinity.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local legend speaks of the "White Lady," said to glide along the lamp gallery on misty nights—perhaps the ghost of a long-lost keeper's daughter. During World War II, the Germans occupied the site and modified some buildings; no major damage occurred. Over the years, the lighthouse has coordinated numerous rescue operations for shipwrecked mariners on nearby shoals.

Technical and Operational Details

There is no information available about technical or operational details.

Further Information

• Owner/Operator: Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket)
• Official website: http://www.lista-fyr.no
• Norwegian Wikipedia: no:Lista fyr
• Store norske leksikon: "Lista fyrstasjon"
• The Lighthouse Directory (University of North Carolina): "Norway – Lista"