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Marstein Lighthouse

Oc White/Red 4s🇳🇴Austevoll, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Marstein Lighthouse

The Marstein Lighthouse, built in 1877, is a white, cylindrical masonry tower standing 17 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 38 meters, emitting a white and red light with an occlusion characteristic every 4 seconds. The structure includes a lantern and gallery attached to a single-story service building. Located on a small island south of the Korsfjord entrance, it guides vessels toward Bergen and the Hardangerfjorden. The lighthouse was automated in 2002 and sustained damage from a severe storm in 2005, requiring repairs. It was subsequently transferred to Austevoll Kommune in 2006, later opening for tours and overnight stays.

Why it matters: Marstein Lighthouse assists ships heading to Bergen and the Hardangerfjorden. It also serves as a unique tourist attraction, offering guided tours and overnight stays since 2010.

Background
Marstein Lighthouse is an active lighthouse in Austevoll Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It is located on the small island of Store Marstein just west of the island of Storakalsøy on the south side of the entrance to the Krossfjorden and therefore assists ships going to both the city of Bergen and to the Hardangerfjorden.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc W R 4s
Focal Height
38m
Light Range
17NM (31.5 km)
Geographic Range
16.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1877

Significant events: Automated in 2002, damaged by a severe storm in 2005, repaired and transferred to Austevoll Kommune in 2006, opened for tours and overnight stays in 2010, leased to a hotel in Bergen since 2013

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Torangsvag(4.7 km)
Admiralty No.
B3780
NGA No.
115-3520
ARLHS No.
NOR-031
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4587704 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story service building

Location

City
Austevoll
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Vestland
Sea Region
small island on the south side of the entrance to the Korsfjord, marking the route to Bergen for larger vessels
Latitude
60.1312°
Longitude
5.0117°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Marstein Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 38 meters and a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 km), Marstein is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Marstein Lighthouse at night?+
Marstein displays the characteristic Oc White/Red 4s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Marstein Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Marstein Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Glesvær at 4.5 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Torangsvåg (4.5 NM ESE), Austevoll (5.2 NM ESE), Hufthammar (5.7 NM E), Storebø (6.8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Marstein Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Marstein 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 Marstein Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Marstein 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.