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Kya Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Kya Lighthouse

The current Kya Lighthouse, a 12-meter metal square skeletal tower with a red roof, became operational in 2020. It stands 17 meters above sea level and emits an occulting white, red, and green light that completes its cycle every 6 seconds, visible for 12.4 nautical miles. This modern structure replaced a tower built in 1920. The island location is about 4 kilometers north of the western tip of Frøya. The site is open to the public, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for vessels navigating the coastal waters off Frøya, particularly marking the area north of its westernmost point.

Background
The Kya Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse in Osen Municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. The lighthouse is located on the small island of Kya in the ocean about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) northwest of the village of Seter. The Buholmråsa Lighthouse is located nearby, closer to the mainland. It was built in 1920 and it was automated in 1958. The lighthouse was one of the most exposed lighthouses on the Norwegian coast due to its distance from the mainland and lack of nearby islands. The lighthouse has endured repeated storm damage over the years. It was also a very difficult assignment for lighthouse keepers prior to its automation in 1958. The facility is only accessible by boat.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc WRG 6s
Focal Height
17m
Light Range
10NM (18.5 km)
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2020

Significant events: Replacement of 1920 tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with a red roof
Material
metal

Structure: square skeletal tower with lantern, gallery, and enclosed watch room built in 1920

Location

City
Frøya
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Trøndelag
Sea Region
Small island about 4 km north of the western tip of Frøya
Latitude
63.7715°
Longitude
8.3098°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nordskaget(7.7 km)
Admiralty No.
L1472
NGA No.
7964
ARLHS No.
NOR147
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4586131 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Kya Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 17 meters and a nominal range of 10 nautical miles (approximately 18.5 km), Kya 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 Kya Lighthouse at night?+
Kya 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 Kya Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kya Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sula at 6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Nordskaget - Frøya (7.7 NM ESE), Stranda - Frøya (10.1 NM E), Mausund (11 NM ENE), Dyrvik (13.9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kya Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kya 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 Kya Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kya 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.