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Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 6s🇳🇴Tjeldsund, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse

This stone lighthouse, standing 7 meters tall, features a white conical tower topped with a red roof. A lantern and gallery are mounted on a stone cairn, with the light positioned 5 meters above sea level. It emits an occulting white, red, or green light, flashing once every 6 seconds, with the color changing depending on the viewing direction. The lighthouse is located in the Troms region of Norway, near the northern tip of Tjeldøy, marking a skerry on the south side of the Tjeldsund. The site is accessible, but the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is Ramsund, 5.3 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is critical for safe passage through the Tjeldsund, specifically warning mariners of the skerry it occupies. Its directional light provides precise guidance for vessels navigating the narrow waters near Tjeldøy.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc(1) WRG 6s
Focal Height
5m
Geographic Range
8.4NM

Location

City
Tjeldsund
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Troms
Sea Region
Tjeldsund, near the northern tip of Tjeldøy, marking a skerry on its south side.
Latitude
68.5526°
Longitude
16.3289°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ramsund(5.3 km)
Admiralty No.
L3286
NGA No.
12572

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
conical
Tower Color
white with a red roof
Material
stone

Structure: A 7m lantern and gallery, painted white with a red roof, mounted on a stone cairn.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse at night?+
Ballstadstraumen displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 6s — 1 white/red/green flash every 6 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Fjelldal at 3.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Ramsund (5.6 NM SE), Lødingen (11 NM SW), Kvæfjord (13.3 NM NNW), Borkenes (13.5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ballstadstraumen Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.