Torsvåg Lighthouse

The Torsvåg lighthouse is situated on the island of Vannøya, off the coast of Karlsøy Municipality in Troms county, Norway.

The nearest city is Tromsø, approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) southwest of Torsvåg. The village of Torsvåg can be reached by a causeway connecting the island of Vannøya to the nearby islet of Kåja.

History

Torsvåg has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with archaeological evidence suggesting human presence on the island dating back to that time.

The fishing village was once home to hundreds of residents but has experienced a significant decline in population, currently having between 10 and 20 inhabitants.

Architecture

The Torsvåg lighthouse stands at a height of 32.5 metres (107 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 40 metres (131 feet).

The tower is constructed from concrete and features a distinctive design with a prominent lantern room.

The light source emits a red beam with a range of 14.2 kilometres (8.7 miles), accompanied by green, white, and red flashes at intervals.

Light Characteristics

The Torsvåg lighthouse uses a unique sequence system to indicate its position.

• The light is characterized by eight distinct sequences, each corresponding to a specific sector of the surrounding area.
• The light's color changes depending on the direction it is facing, with red indicating north and west, green indicating south, white indicating east, and so on.

Current Status

The Torsvåg lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its automation has been implemented in recent years.

The lighthouse continues to serve as a vital reference point for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off the coast of Norway.

Heritage Status

Torsvåg Lighthouse is listed as a notable landmark and historical site in Norway, reflecting its importance as a navigational aid and cultural icon of the region.