Akraberg Lighthouse

The Akraberg Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Suðuroy, 5 km south of the village of Sumba, in the Faroe Islands.

History

• The Akraberg Lighthouse has a long history dating back to the late 19th century, when it was built to aid navigation in the treacherous waters surrounding Sumba.
• In 1884, the high rock Munkurin on the southernmost rock, Sumbiarsteinur, crashed into the sea, causing significant damage to the surrounding waters. This event highlighted the dangers of navigating in these waters and led to the construction of the Akraberg Lighthouse as a safety measure.

Architecture

The Akraberg Lighthouse is a traditional Faroese lighthouse design, with a distinctive cylindrical tower and a lantern room at the top. The lighthouse stands at a height of 94 meters (308 feet) above sea level, making it one of the tallest in the Faroe Islands.

The lighthouse has four distinct light patterns, each with its own unique color and period: white (20 seconds), red (20 seconds), green (20 seconds), and white (20 seconds). These lights are designed to aid navigation in the surrounding waters, particularly during periods of low visibility.

Light Characteristics

The Akraberg Lighthouse is equipped with a range of light characteristics that make it an important aid to navigation. The lighthouse can be seen from a distance of up to 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) and is visible at night using the distinctive white, red, green, and white light patterns.

Current Status

The Akraberg Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction. The lighthouse remains an important part of the Faroe Islands' maritime heritage and continues to be maintained by the Faroese authorities.

Location and Accessibility

The Akraberg Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Suðuroy, 5 km south of the village of Sumba. The lighthouse can be accessed via a scenic coastal road that runs along the southern coast of Suðuroy. Visitors can park at the base of the lighthouse and walk up to the top for stunning views of the surrounding waters.

Heritage Status

The Akraberg Lighthouse is listed as a protected monument in the Faroe Islands, recognizing its importance as an aid to navigation and a symbol of the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The lighthouse has also been mentioned in poetry by Poul F. Joensen, who wrote about the notorious Røstin sound between Suðuroy and Munkurin in one of his poems.