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Harmaja Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 6s🇫🇮Helsinki, FIOperational

Location & Light Range

About Harmaja Lighthouse

Also known as: Harmaja (Gråhara) (Range Front)

Harmaja lighthouse is a 15-meter cylindrical, square tower built of cast iron and stone, standing on a small island 10 kilometers south of Helsinki. First lit in 1883, the structure was substantially altered in 1900 when its original lantern was replaced with a cast iron upper section. This two-stage design brings the focal height to 24 meters. The tower exhibits a red color with a single white horizontal band. Its light shows an occulting white, green, and red signal that occurs once every 6 seconds, visible for 14.1 nautical miles. The lighthouse is operational and located beside the main ship channel into Helsinki.

Why it matters: Harmaja lighthouse is indispensable for safe navigation into Helsinki, marking the critical main ship channel that serves one of Finland's busiest ports.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc WGR 6s
Focal Height
24m
Light Range
14.9NM (27.6 km)
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1883

Significant events: Substantially altered in 1900, original lantern replaced by cast iron tower in 1900

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Helsinki(3.8 km)
Admiralty No.
C5190
NGA No.
14528
ARLHS No.
FIN-008
Wikidata
Q33397944 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical, square
Tower Color
red with a white horizontal band
Material
cast iron, stone

Structure: 2-stage tower: a 7

Location

City
Helsinki
Country
🇫🇮Finland
Region
Uusimaa
Sea Region
Small island 10 km south of Helsinki, beside the main ship channel into the city
Latitude
60.1051°
Longitude
24.9756°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Harmaja Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 24 meters and a nominal range of 14.9 nautical miles (approximately 27.6 km), Harmaja is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Harmaja Lighthouse at night?+
Harmaja displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 6s. 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 Harmaja Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Harmaja Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sveaborg (Suomenlinna) at 1.7 NM to the N. Other ports served include Helsinki (3.9 NM NNW), LAAJASALO (4.4 NM NNE), Salo (5.5 NM NNE), Espoo (Esbo) (8.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Harmaja Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Harmaja 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.
What shipping routes pass near Harmaja Lighthouse?+
Harmaja Lighthouse is located within the Baltic Sea trade route — a vital shipping corridor for trade between Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Baltic state ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Harmaja Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Harmaja 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.