Vaindloo Tuletorn

The Vaindloo tuletorn, also known as Leuchtturm Vaindloo, is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Estonia.

History

• The construction of the lighthouse began in 1908 and was completed in 1910. It has been an important aid to navigation for mariners ever since.
• The Vaindloo tuletorn is a traditional Estonian lighthouse design, featuring a cylindrical tower with a distinctive lantern room at its top.

Architecture

The Vaindloo tuletorn is a traditional Estonian lighthouse design, featuring a cylindrical tower with a distinctive lantern room at its top. The tower stands at a height of approximately 20 meters (66 feet), while the focal height is around 30 meters (98 feet).

• The lighthouse has two main light sources: one white light with a range of 11 nautical miles and another red light with a range of 7 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Vaindloo tuletorn's lights are characterized by a distinctive Fl (flash) pattern, with the white light flashing every 15 seconds. The lighthouse is also equipped with a reference number, C 3876.

Current Status

The Vaindloo tuletorn is currently an automated aid to navigation, meaning it operates without human presence. However, its status as a functional lighthouse has been disputed in recent years due to concerns about its maintenance and upkeep.

Location and Accessibility

The Vaindloo tuletorn is located on the coast of Estonia, specifically in the Haljala vald municipality of Lääne-Viru County. The address is Vaindloo tuletorn, Vainupea küla, Haljala vald, Lääne-Viru County, Estonia. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby road.

Heritage Status

The Vaindloo tuletorn has been recognized as a cultural heritage site in Estonia, reflecting the country's rich maritime history and architectural traditions.

Notable Historical Events

One notable historical event associated with the Vaindloo tuletorn is its role during World War II. The lighthouse played an important part in guiding Allied forces through the Baltic Sea during the war.