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Helsinki Lighthouse

Fl White 12s🇫🇮Helsinki, FIOperational

Location & Light Range

About Helsinki Lighthouse

Also known as: Helsinki (Årunsgrund)

The Helsinki Lighthouse, built of concrete in 1959, is a cylindrical tower standing 27 meters tall. Its exterior is painted white with a red horizontal band in its upper section. The structure incorporates keeper's quarters and features three galleries and a helipad above the lantern room. This offshore light replaced a historic lightship station approximately 15 kilometers south of the city. Its geographic range extends to 14.3 nautical miles, and it emits a white flash every 12 seconds.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides commercial and passenger vessels navigating the busy shipping lanes of the Gulf of Finland, particularly as they approach Helsinki's harbor.

Background
The Helsinki Lighthouse is a caisson-type lighthouse located in the Gulf of Finland, 22 kilometres (12 nmi) due south of West Harbour, Helsinki.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
25m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1959

Significant events: replaced a historic lightship station

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red horizontal band in the upper third
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower, incoporating keeper's quarters, with lantern, three galleries, and a helipad above the lantern

Location

City
Helsinki
Country
🇫🇮Finland
Region
Uusimaa
Sea Region
Gulf of Finland about 15 km (9 mi) south of Helsinki
Latitude
59.9490°
Longitude
24.9263°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Helsinki(13.1 km)
Admiralty No.
C5184
NGA No.
14516
ARLHS No.
FIN009
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q10520589 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Helsinki Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 25 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Helsinki 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 Helsinki Lighthouse at night?+
Helsinki displays the characteristic Fl White 12s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Helsinki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Helsinki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sveaborg (Suomenlinna) at 11.2 NM to the N. Other ports served include Espoo (Esbo) (12.2 NM NW), Helsinki (13.2 NM N), LAAJASALO (13.9 NM NNE), Salo (14.8 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Helsinki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Helsinki 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 Helsinki Lighthouse?+
Helsinki 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 Helsinki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Helsinki 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.