Harmaja Lighthouse

The Harmaja lighthouse has been a prominent landmark since the 16th century, although its current structure was built in the 18th century.

History

• The first light house on the island was constructed in 1883, but it proved to be too low and was soon replaced by a larger, rectangular brick building on a granite base. This new structure doubled the height of the lighthouse and provided a more effective beacon for ships navigating the waters around Helsinki.
• In the early 20th century, the lighthouse underwent further modifications, including the installation of a large foghorn to alert vessels in poor visibility. The Harmaja lighthouse played an important role during the 1952 Summer Olympics, serving as the center of the Olympic sailing event.

Architecture

The current structure of the Harmaja lighthouse is a rectangular brick building on a granite base, constructed in the late 19th century. The tower stands at a height of 23.8 meters (78 feet) above sea level, and its focal height is approximately 24 meters (79 feet).

• The lighthouse features a distinctive design with multiple light sources, each emitting a different color to aid navigation.
• The Harmaja lighthouse has undergone several modernizations over the years, including the installation of radio beacons in 1936. Today, the lighthouse is fully automated and no longer requires human maintenance.

Location

The Harmaja lighthouse is located on an island outside Helsinki, Finland, south of the Suomenlinna sea fortress. The island's address is Valonheittimenpolku, and it can be accessed by road or ferry from the city center.

• Visitors to the area can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding waters and the historic Suomenlinna fortress. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for tours, but its location makes it a popular spot for photography and observation.

Light Characteristics

• The Harmaja lighthouse features multiple light sources, each emitting a different color to aid navigation:
• * Red (24 meters)
• * Green (24 meters)
• * White (24 meters)

The lights are visible from a range of 27.4 kilometers (17 miles) and have a period of six seconds.

Current Status

The Harmaja lighthouse is fully automated, no longer requiring human maintenance. It continues to serve as an important aid to navigation for vessels in the Helsinki area.

Heritage Status

The Harmaja lighthouse has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark in Finland. Its unique design and location make it a notable feature of the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• * 1883: The first light house on the island was constructed.
• * 1900: The height of the lighthouse was doubled by creating a rectangular brick building on a granite base.
• * 1936: The Harmaja lighthouse received the world's first directed and undirected radio beacon.
• * 1952 Summer Olympics: The lighthouse served as the center of the Olympic sailing event.