Name and Location

The Vaydagubsky Lighthouse, officially known as Вайдагубский маяк (Vaydagubskiy), is a historic lighthouse located in the Pechengsky District of Murmansk Oblast, Russia. The lighthouse stands near the village of Vayda-Guba, approximately 69°57' north latitude and 31°56' east longitude.

2. Construction and History

The original lighthouse was built in 1844 using traditional Russian architectural styles. It has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Barents Sea since its construction in the mid-19th century.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure was designed to withstand the harsh Arctic climate, with a robust foundation and insulation to keep out the freezing temperatures. The original lighthouse was built using traditional Russian architectural styles, characterized by a white-painted wooden tower with a distinctive rounded lantern room at the top.

4. Light and Navigation

The Vaydagubsky Lighthouse features a unique light characteristic, emitting a green light in a sequence of 0.2 + (1.8) + 0.2 + (1.8) + 0.2 + (6.8), with a range of approximately 20 kilometers and a height of 62 meters above sea level.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach the lighthouse by road, with the nearest city being Murmansk, located about 150 kilometers to the southeast. Visitors are welcome to explore the lighthouse grounds, but please note that access to the interior may be restricted due to safety concerns or maintenance activities.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Vaydagubsky Lighthouse stands amidst a stunning natural landscape, with towering pine trees and rocky outcroppings dominating the surrounding terrain. The area is also home to various species of Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and birds.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore information available.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was initially operated manually, with keepers responsible for maintaining the light and assisting mariners in need. In recent years, the Vaydagubsky Lighthouse has been automated, allowing for improved efficiency and reduced maintenance needs. The Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot) manages the lighthouse.

9. Further Information

For further reading on the Vaydagubsky Lighthouse, please consult: US NGA Pub. 115 (2010-09-09), Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot).